It was a pity Robert didn't think women capable of much or he could have seen it coming. As it was, he didn't and paid the price. Her hand hit him full on the cheek before he even realize what was happening and Robert could feel a stinging sensation where her hand had left an imprint, and maybe his eye even became a little teary. He looked at his sister with utter shock all over his red-and-white face.

"Pearl!" he started. He was about to tell her that she was hysterical and clearly losing her mind, when she mentioned father. She had not! That little witch! Of course she had gone crying to father and father always picked her side. Well, he'd tell father his side of the story and correct whatever lies his manipulative sister had told him!

He rushed to the library to get there before Pearl did, but when he entered, he stopped in his tracks. What was he doing here? "Father." Robert started. He pointed at Joe. "This cad treated Pearl most indecently at the station the other night! I was only trying to defend her honour and our family name! Also, Pearl hit me!" he added petulantly. The latter barely needed to be said. There was a perfect red imprint of a fine hand on his face.