'Hardly in the needful manner.'
'Nay, but why is this holiday month to be all play and no work to every one but dis here unlucky nigger?'
'You've not earned the right to play.'
'Nor ever shall at home. You know what a farce it is to "call it either work or play."'
Felix did not wholly like the tone of this dialogue, but just then a brother of the press entreated a few moments' conversation. It was to ask for a recommendation, which he was now in a condition to give; and he was obliged to leave his sister to Will's care, intending speedily to overtake her.
Meanwhile, Lord Ernest went on, with somewhat less of reserve, 'Now I put it to you, which is which under the K.T. influence—Greek or croquet?'
'The last is not her influence.'
'No, nor her nature, but her uncle's drill into complaisance. She is a victim to filial piety, and drags me to the same shrine.'
'Just what she does not want to do.'
'No, but now you are gone, the games would never end if one didn't get her through a hoop occasionally.'