I
shouldn't dare to show my face outside the house; that man does
make me sweat! The very smell of his silk gown makes me feel
faint."
"I'll tell you what I will do," said Howard, "I'll give you some
coaching in the mornings. If anyone ever wanted coaching, it is
you!"
Jack looked rather blue at this, but he said, "It will have to be
gratis, though! I haven't a cent. Besides, I am going to do better.
I have a growing sense of duty!"
"It's not growing very FAST!" said Howard, "and it's a feeble
motive at best, you will find; you will have to get a better reason
than that--it won't carry you far. Why not do it to please me?"
"All right," said Jack; "will you scribble me a list of books to
take down? I had meant to have a rest; but I would do a good deal
of work to get a reasonable person down at Windlow. I simply
daren't ask my friends there; my father would talk their hindlegs
off but he isn't a bad old bird."
III
WINDLOW
Mrs. Graves wrote back by return of post that she was delighted to
think that Howard was coming. "I am getting an old woman," she
said, "and fond of memories: and what I hear of you from your
enthusiastic pupil Jack makes me wish to see my nephew, and proud
of him too. This is a quiet house, but I think you would enjoy it;
and it's a real kindness to me to come. I am sure I shall like you,
and I am not without hopes that you may like me. You need not tie
yourself down to any dates; just come when you can, and go when you
must.
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