This was not perhaps a very terrible beginning to a régime of sternness; but to Durland, just getting down, it appeared one of the most disgusting exhibitions of slave driving that he had ever heard.
"It is entirely my fault that we are late," he said, giving his mother a steady, brave look.
She answered irrelevantly, "Why, Durland, how nice you look! Are you going anywhere this evening?"
"Very likely," he answered coldly. He thought to himself, "Why must she give Miss Exeter the impression that I look like a cowboy generally?" He was of course going nowhere.
So, having completely alienated her two elder children—Antonia had early supper by herself—Mrs. Conway found herself obliged to direct her conversation to the interloper. She had her revenge, if she had only known it, by talking about her brother, questioning Miss Exeter about him. Had he seemed very much rushed? Did he say anything about his golf clubs? Wasn't it a delightful office? Wonderful! So cool in summer.
Pearl hazarded that the harbor was very beautiful, and learned that Mr. Wood's office looked north—up the Hudson. She must be careful.
Durland inquired with a friendly grin whether Uncle Anthony had frightened her to death.
"Frightened me?" said Pearl, trying to gain time.
"Some people are awfully afraid of him."
"Naughty little boys are," said Dolly.