And she answered quite quietly, "I know it is a pity--but I can't help it." Lucy's eyes were wide with wonder.

'But you ought to have given her something to do--or to learn: couldn't she have gone to school, or found some friends ?' 'Oh! I dare say I ought to have done a thousand things,' said Manisty impatiently.

'I was never a model brother, or a model anything! I grew up for myself and by myself, and I supposed Alice would do the same.

You disapprove ?' He turned his sharp, compelling eyes upon her, so that Lucy flinched a little.

'I shouldn't dare,' she said laughing.