He dared not risk it.
Mr.Mulready was, like all tyrants, a coward at heart, and his face grew white again as he thought of the letter in his pocket.

In the meantime Mrs.Mulready was alternately sobbing and upbraiding Ned as he quietly finished his breakfast.

The boy did not answer, but continued his meal in dogged silence, and when it was over collected his books and without a word went off to school.
Weeks went on, and no outward change took place.

Ned continued to live at home.

Mr.Mulready never addressed him, and beyond helping him to food entirely ignored his presence.