He looked at his mother and seemed about to speak, but no sound came from his lips.

Then his eye fell on his stepfather, who, rather alarmed at the boy's appearance, was standing near the door.

The expression of Ned's face changed, his mouth became set and rigid, his eyes dilated, and Mr.Mulready, believing that he was about to spring upon him, drew back hastily half a step and threw up his hands to defend himself.

Mrs.Mulready threw herself in Ned's way; the boy made no effort to put her aside, but kept his eyes fixed over her shoulder at his stepfather.
"Take care!" he said hoarsely, "it will be my turn next time, and when it comes I will kill you, you brute." "Oh, go away, William!" Mrs.Mulready cried; "oh! do go away, or there will be more mischief.

Oh! Ned, do sit down, and don't look so dreadful; he is going now." Mr.Mulready turned and went with a laugh which he intended to be scornful, but in which there was a strong tinge of uneasiness.