To London Town by Arthur Morrison

THE shock left Johnny and Bessy numb, and, though Bessy was quicker, the change took Johnny two or three days to realise -- even to understand. His first distinct impression was one of injury and resentment. He had been tricked -- hoodwinked. His mother -- even his mother had deceived him and Bessy. Why? Why not tell them first?

She _would_ have told them, he was sure; she told them everything. Butson had persuaded her to keep them in ignorance till the thing was done, lest they should rebel, and perhaps bring her to a change of mood. And Johnny's guess was a good one. Forthwith his resentment became something more; hate, mere hate for this man who had come between him and his mother -- this cadger of suppers thrusting himself into their intimate life. .