"You must not joke, my children," exclaimed the Father; "this is a fairlysad business. I am thankful it has taken place in the absence of yourdear Mother, and I forbid you writing her anything about it. Thismust concern me, and me alone."

_William_.--(Indignantly.)--"It amounts to a theft, a falsehood!"

_Lucy_.--"But who has done it, William? Did not Mary leave herknife here?"