and David, and
even to Mr Caldwell, that there must have been mismanagement--probably
dishonesty--on the part of some of those with whom he held business
relations; and that this unhappy illness had been taken advantage of to
bring matters to the painful crisis they had reached. So fully was he
convinced of this, that it was, with difficulty, he could be prevented
from applying to his father to obtain information with regard to certain
affairs. But the doctor was imperative as to his not being disturbed by
allusions to business now, or for some time to come.

"It might cost his life or his reason, Dr Ward says," repeated Frank.
"And even if he could be spoken to, it would do no good while he is
unable to leave his room or even his bed. We must wait patiently. I
don't suppose it will make any real difference in the end."

Even Frank knew more about his father's affairs than Philip did.

"If I had only staid in the office, instead of going to M-- last year,"
said he.

"I don't suppose it would have made much difference. You would have
known something about the books, perhaps, and papa might not have had to
pay out so much money for you. I don't know, though. It is easy enough
to spend money anywhere."

Philip walked about impatiently.

"What I have spent is not a drop in the bucket," said he.

But the thought of the money he had spent and the money he owed made him
very miserable.

"You know best about that," said Frank. "Here is something that Mr
Caldwell left to-day. It is addressed to papa, so he opened it, but he
found that it is meant for you. I am very glad papa did not see it."

Philip glanced at the paper his brother put in his hand.

"Have you examined it?" asked he, sharply.

"I looked at the sum total, not at the items."

"Well! a gentleman must spend something on such things, if he is in
society."

"If he have it of his own to spend, you mean. I don't see the
necessity. I'll venture to say that some of these items did not make
you more like a gentleman, but less," said Frank.

"That is for me to decide," said Philip, angrily.

"I don't know that. However, you'll have to consult Mr Caldwell about
it--the paying of it, I mean. Though the chances are, he will neither
be able nor inclined to help you."

"It is no great affair, anyway."

"The helping you? or the sum total? It is more than half of David
Inglis's yearly salary, and Aunt Mary has only that to keep house for
them al