You know what you want, and other people have got to
follow. Of course, up at Beaufort, it's my business to try to do
that to a certain extent; but that is professional, and a matter of
business."
"But the worst of doing it professionally," said Jack, "is that you
can't get out of the way of doing it unprofessionally. You seem to
me to have rather purchased this place. I know you are to be
squire, and all that; but you want to make yourself felt. I am not
sure that you aren't rather a Jesuit."
"Come," said Howard, "that's going too far--we can't afford to
quarrel. I don't mind your saying what you think; but if you have
the right to take your own line, you must allow the same right to
others."
"That depends!" said Jack, and was silent for a moment. Then he
turned to Howard and said, "Yes, you are quite right! I am sorry I
said all that. You have done no end for me, and I am an ungrateful
little beast. It is rather fine of you not to remind me of all the
trouble you have taken; there isn't anyone who would have done so
much; and you have really laid yourself out to do what I liked
here. I am sorry, I am truly sorry. I suppose I felt myself rather
cock of the walk here, and am vexed that you have got the whole
thing into your hands!"
"All right," said Howard, "I entirely understand; and look here, I
am glad you said what you did. You are not wholly wrong. I have
interfered perhaps more than I ought; but you must believe me when
I say this--that it isn't with a managing motive.
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