As they went on, Jack catechised Howard closely.
"Did my family behave themselves?" he said. "Did you want them
obliterated? I expect you had a good pull at the Governor, but
don't forget he is a good chap. He is so dreadfully interested, but
you come to plenty of sense last of all. I admit it is last, but
it's there. It's no joke facing him if there's a row! he doesn't
say much then, and that makes it awful. He has a way of looking out
of the window, if I cheek him, for about five minutes, which turns
me sick. Up on the top he is a bit frothy--but there's no harm in
that, and he keeps things going."
"Yes," said Howard, "I felt that, and I may tell you plainly I
liked him very much, and thought him a thoroughly good sort."
"Well, what about Maud?" said Jack.
Howard felt a tremor. He did not want to talk about Maud, and he
did not want Jack to talk about her. It seemed like laying hands on
something sacred and secluded. So he said, "Really, I don't know as
yet--I only had one talk with her. I can't tell. I thought her
delightful; like you with your impudence left out."
"The little cat!" said Jack; "she is as impudent as they make them.
I'll be bound she has taken the length of your foot. What did she
talk about? stars and flowers? That's one of her dodges."
"I decline to answer," said Howard; "and I won't have you spoiling
my impressions. Just leave me alone to make up my mind, will you?"
Jack looked at him,--he had spoken sharply--nodded, and said, "All
right! I won't give her away.
Pages:
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90