"What a couple of unsociable young puppies!" exclaimed Jack Murchison.
"Now, I should just like to know your reasons," said Ned, coming close up to the little boy in a bullying manner. "I suppose that you will say that you are tired of the game, and think a walk in our grounds much more charming?"
"No," again replied Willy, who was flushing up to the temples.
"Then, why won't you play at billiards?"
"My mother would not like it."
This announcement was received with a roar of laughter from the three other boys, which made Tom feel uneasy, and Willy's cheeks grew hotter and hotter.
"Oh! The dear little manikin! Him would not vex his mammy—him would not play with naughty boys!" cried Ned in a jeering tone. "But mammy shan't know, dear; you're not just tied by her apron-strings; you're out of reach of a blow from her bodkin!" There was another vociferous roar.
"I wonder that you ventured to eat your dinner on Sunday," laughed Ned.
Poor Willy looked at his brother, but his brother did not come to his aid.
"Now, Willy, I say, you must just put aside all this absurd nonsense while you are here, and do at Rome as the Romans do," said Ned more gravely. "We don't want to hear any more of your mother's fancies."