"I have been deceived in the same way," she said.

"Though my children are boys (which perhaps makes a difference) I feel it is my duty as a mother not to let them get into bad company.

I do nothing myself in an underhand way.

No excuses! I shall send a note and tell Mrs.Norman why she doesn't see my boys to-morrow." "Isn't that a little hard on her ?" said merciful Mrs.Romsey.
Mr.Romsey agreed with his wife, on grounds of expediency.

"Never make a row if you can help it," was the peaceable principle to which this gentleman committed himself.