Sylvia's Lovers - Page 58/290

But William only shook his head, and repeated his last words,-'He's a bad man, he is.' When Philip came home that Sunday night, he found only Alice up to

receive him. The usual bedtime in the household was nine o'clock,

and it was but ten minutes past the hour; but Alice looked

displeased and stern.

'Thee art late, lad,' said she, shortly.

'I'm sorry; it's a long way from my uncle's, and I think clocks are

different,' said he, taking out his watch to compare it with the

round moon's face that told the time to Alice.

'I know nought about thy uncle's, but thee art late. Take thy

candle, and begone.' If Alice made any reply to Philip's 'good-night,' he did not hear

it.