Dinner-time came, and the brothers appeared.

Their father spoke to them of their absence from morning prayers with needless severity, as I thought.

They resented the reproof with needless indignation on their side, and left the room.

A sour smile of satisfaction showed itself on Miss Meadowcroft's thin lips.

She looked at her father; then raised her eyes sadly to the ceiling, and said, "We can only pray for them, sir." Naomi disappeared after dinner.