The boys stood for a moment as though turned into stone. Then the elder one took to his heels with all his strength. The younger followed, crying, "Wait for me! Say, Anton, do not run away from me!" He burst into tears. They disappeared behind the carriage-shed; but for a long time I heard the sobbing of the younger one.
CHAPTER V.
I felt quite out of spirits, and determined to leave at once; but as I entered the sitting-room my hostess was seated on the large gothic settee or sofa, near the dining-room door, and no sooner did she perceive me than she leaned forward across the table in front of her and asked,—
"What do you think of Spencer's theory of education? Do you believe we can put it into practice?"
I did not wish to be drawn into an argument, and so merely answered,—
"Your husband's practice, at all events, does not accord with Spencer's teachings."
"My husband's practice? Why, he has none."
Here she smiled.
"You mean he takes no interest in the children?"