Probably Mr.Dinsmore will make an investigation, and perhaps he may be able to get at the truth without your assistance; and if not, as the mischief is already done, it will be time enough for your story to-morrow." Herbert looked a good deal relieved, and just then they were summoned to tea.
The elder Mr.Dinsmore had been out all the afternoon, and not returning until just as the bell rang for tea, heard nothing of Elsie's injury until after he had taken his seat at the table.
The children had all reported that Arthur had pushed her down, and thus the story was told to his father.

The old gentleman was very angry, for he had a great contempt for such cowardly deeds; and said before all the guests that if it were so, Arthur should be severely punished.
Mr.Horace Dinsmore came down as the rest were about leaving the table.
"I should like to have a few moments' conversation with you, Horace, when you have finished your tea," his father said, lingering behind the others.
"It is just what I wish, sir," replied his son; "I will be with you directly.

Shall I find you in the library ?" "Yes.

I hope the child was not hurt, Horace ?" he added, inquiringly, stepping back again just as he had reached the door.
"Pretty badly, I am afraid," said Mr.Dinsmore, gravely; "she is suffering a good deal." Mr.Dinsmore was not long at the table, for he was anxious to get back to his child; yet his father, whom he found striding back and forth across the library, in a nervous, excited way, hailed him with the impatient exclamation, "Come at last, Horace, I thought you would never have done eating." Then throwing himself into a chair, "Well, what is to be done about this bad business ?" he asked.

"Is it true that Arthur had a hand in it ?" "I have not a doubt of it myself, sir," replied his son.