fter that, when the doctor had
left them with a good account of the broken limb, her curiosity would
brook no further delay. And, indeed, indignation as well as curiosity
urged her on. In disposition she was less easy, and, perhaps, less
selfish, than her brother. If it were the case that that man had
ill-treated his sister, she would have sacrificed much to bring him
to punishment. "Kate," she said, when the doctor was gone, "I expect
that you will tell me the whole truth as to what occurred between you
and your brother when you had this accident."

"I have told you the truth."

"But not the whole truth."

"All the truth I mean to tell, aunt. He has quarrelled with me, as I
think, most unnecessarily, but you don't suppose that I am going to
give an exact account of the quarrel? We were both wrong, probably,
and so let there be an end of it."

"Was he violent to you when he quarrelled with you?"

"When he is angry he is always violent in his language."

"But, did he strike you?"

"Dear aunt, don't be angry with me if I say that I won't be
cross-examined. I would rather answer no more questions about it. I
know that questioning can do no good."

Mrs Greenow knew her niece well enough to be aware that nothing more
would be told her, but she was quite sure now that Kate had not
broken her arm by a simple fall. She was certain that the injury had
come from positive violence. Had it not been so, Kate would not have
contented herself with refusing to answer the last question that had
been asked, but would also have repelled the charge made against her
brother with indignation.

"You must have it your own way," said Mrs Greenow; "but let me just
tell you this, that your brother George had better keep out of my
way."

"It is probable that he will," said Kate. "Especially if you remain
here to nurse me."

Kate's conduct in answering all the questions made to her was not
difficult, but she found that there was much difficulty in planning
her own future behaviour towards her own brother. Must she abandon
him altogether from henceforth; divide herself from him, as it were;
have perfectly separate interests, and interests that were indeed
hostile? and must she see him ruined and overwhelmed by want of
money, while she had been made a rich woman by her grandfather's
will? It will be remembered that her life had hitherto been devoted
to him; that all her schemes and plans had had his success as their
object; that she h