I can't have that. He drew a
rather unpleasant picture of me; he seemed to think I have taken
this place rather in hand from the Don's point of view. He thinks I
should die if I were unable to improve the occasion."
Maud looked up at him with a troubled and rather indignant air.
"Jack is perfectly horrid just now," she said; "I can't think what
has come over him; and considering that you have been coaching him
every day, and getting him shooting and fishing, it seems to me
quite detestable! I oughtn't to say that; but you mustn't be angry
with him, Mr. Kennedy. I think he is feeling very independent just
now, and he said to me that it made him feel that he was back at
school to have to go up with his books to the Manor every morning.
But he is all right really. I am sure he is grateful; it would be
too shameful if he were not. Please don't be vexed with him."
Howard laughed. "Oh, I am not vexed! Indeed, I am rather glad he
spoke out--at my age one doesn't often get the chance of being
sincerely scolded by a perfectly frank young man. One does get
donnish and superior, no doubt, and it is useful to find it out,
though it isn't pleasant at the time. We have made it up, and he
was quite repentant; I think it is altogether natural. It often
happens with young men to get irritated with one, no doubt, but as
a rule they don't speak out; and this time he has got me between
the joints of my armour."
"Oh, dear me!" said Maud, "I think the world is rather a difficult
place! It seems ridiculous for me to say that in a place like this,
when I think what might be happening if I were poor and had to earn
my living.
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