“They're not people your father and I will have you know,” she said, without looking at him.
“But why, mother?” asked Richard.
“We're not bound to explain everything to you, Richard. It ought to be enough that we have a good reason.”
“If it be a good reason, why shouldn't I know it, mother?” he persisted. “Good things don't require to be hidden.”
“That's very true; they do not.”
“Then why hide this one?”
“Because it is not good.”
“You said it was a good reason!”
“So it is.”
“Good and not good! How can that be?” said Richard, with a great lack of logic. By this time he ought to have been able to see that the worst of facts may be the best of reasons.