He had been uneasy and tried to get away, but the dread of being
laughed at about his grandmother's tea had prevailed, and he had been
supping on oysters and porter, and trying to believe himself a fast
man, till Archie, who had assured him that he was himself going home
in 'no time,' had found it expedient to set off, and it had been
agreed that he should put a bold face on it, and profess that he had
never intended to do more than come and fetch his sisters home.
That the porter had anything to do with his extraordinary manner to
his grandmother and aunt, was so shocking a notion, and the very hint
made him cry so bitterly, and protest so earnestly that he had only
had one pint, which he did not like, and only drank because he was
afraid of being teased, that Albinia was ready to believe that he had
been so elevated by excitement as to forget himself, and continue the
style of the company he had left. It was bad enough, and she felt
almost overpowered by the contemplation of the lamentable weakness of
the poor boy, of the consequences, and of what was incumbent on her.
She leant back and considered a little while, then sighed heavily,
and said, 'Gilbert, two things must be done. You must make an
apology to your grandmother and aunt, and you must confess the whole
to your father.'
He gave a sort of howl, as if she were misusing his confidence.
'It must be,' she said. 'If you are really sorry, you will not
shrink.
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