If I did I shouldn't be here now.

I am willing to bear my part of the blame, Mrs.Gregson, but to say I bring my sons up to that kind of wickedness, is to lay on me more than my share, a good deal .-- Come here, Ranald." I obeyed with bowed head and shame-stricken heart, for I saw what wrong I had done my father, and that although few would be so unjust to him as this old woman, many would yet blame the best man in the world for the wrongs of his children.

When I stood by my father's side, the old woman just lifted her head once to cast on me a scowling look, and then went on again rocking herself.
"Now, my boy," said my father, "tell Mrs.Gregson why you have come here to-night." I had to use a dreadful effort to make myself speak.

It was like resisting a dumb spirit and forcing the words from my lips.

But I did not hesitate a moment.