Part 1, Chapter XXIII. Clerical Difficulties
Those who had been the most determined on Bones retention shut their eyes to these little weaknesses on the masters part; and, if the boys were not well taught, the tradesmens accounts were written in a copperplate hand, while the length and amount of the bill was made less painful to its recipient by finding his name made to look quite handsome with a wonderful flourish which literally framed it in curves a flourish which it had taken Mr Bone years to acquire.
The Rector resigned himself in disgust to the state of things, and devoted his attention to the girls school.
It cant be helped, Miss Portlock, he said, with a smile; if we cannot make good boys in the place we must make super-excellent girls, and by and by as they grow up theyll exercise their influence on the young men.
He thought a great deal of his words as he went homewards, according to his custom, with his hands behind his back, holding his walking-cane as if it were a tail, thinking very deeply of his sons, and whether some day good, true women would have an influence upon their lives and make them better men.
The Rector never knew why the boys laughed at him, setting it down entirely to their rudeness and Humphrey Bones
people might correspond.
Oh, dear me, no; neither Mr Portlock nor myself could countenance such a thing as that.
The Rector was at a loss to see the impropriety of such an intercourse, but he said nothing he merely bowed.
That was only a boy-and-girl sort of thing. Our Sage knew Luke Ross from a boy, but now they are grown up, and as Joseph Mr Portlock said they were too young to think about such things as that.
But I understood that they were engaged, said the Rector, who felt startled; and he gazed very anxiously in Mrs Portlocks face for her reply.
Oh, dear me, no, sir, nothing of the kind.
For want of something to say, the Rector sipped his wine.
My husband very properly said that under the circumstances no engagement ought to take place, and it was not likely. For my part I dont agree with the affair at all.
The Rector felt that his position was growing more unpleasant than ever. He had come to say something, but that something would not be said; and at last when he did speak his words were very different from what he had intended they should be.
My son, Cyril, has taken to coming here a good deal lately, Mrs Portlock, he said.
Well, yes, sir, she said, with a satisfied smile; he has.
I am sorry to have to speak so plainly about him, Mrs Portlock, but I hope you will not encourage his visits. Cyril has travelled a good deal, and has imbibed, I am afraid, a great deal of careless freedom.
Indeed? said the lady, stiffly.
Im afraid that he is too ready to laugh and chat with any girl he meets, and I should be sorry if er if
If you mean by that, Mr Mallow, sir, that you dont consider our niece good enough for your son, said Mrs Portlock, tartly, please say so downright.
I did not wish to imply anything of the kind, Mrs Portlock, replied the Rector, mildly. I wish merely to warn you against his foolish, frivolous ways.
If theres a difference at all its on your side, Mr Mallow, sir, continued the lady. Mr Cyril has been a deal too idle and roving to suit me, while our Sage
Miss Portlock is a most estimable young lady, for whom I entertain the highest respect, Mrs Portlock, said the Rector, warmly; and it was on her behalf, knowing as I do how foolish Cyril can be, that I came to speak to you this morning.
I dont know anything about his foolishness, Mr Mallow, said the lady, who was growing irate; but Ive got to say this, that he comes here just as if he means something, and if he does not mean anything he had better stop away, and not behave like his brother Frank.
Exactly so, my dear madam, cried the Rector, eagerly. I am going to talk seriously to him.
This did not seem to meet the ladys ideas, and she looked hot and annoyed, beginning to stir the fire with a good deal of noise, and setting the poker down more loudly.
I should be deeply grieved, I am sure, Mrs Portlock, began the Rector; it is far from my wish to really, my dear madam, this is a very unpleasant interview.
The lady said nothing; but she was so evidently of the same opinion that the Rector was glad to rise and offer his hand in token of farewell.
She shook hands, and the visitor left, to hurry home with his black stick hanging behind, and his soul hot within him as he mentally accused Cyril by his folly of getting him into the unpleasant predicament from which he had so lately escaped.
Part 1, Chapter XXIV. A Row.
Dont know; perhaps as far as Lewby. John Berry said he would be glad to show me round his farm.
Oh! exclaimed Cyril, with a meaning look.
Well, what do you mean by Oh? said Frank, roughly.
Nothing at all, my dear boy nothing at all, said Cyril.
I never grin like an idiot at you when you are going over to Kilby, do I?
Oh, no: not at all. Its all right, I suppose, laughed Cyril. But, I say, hadnt you better be off amongst the blacks? You have grown rather uncivilised lately.