"Oh, sir, have patience with him! he's not used to control. Jane, she means well, but she has allowed him to have his own way so long."
"Too long."
Even as he spoke, the father's conscience told him he should have taught his son the lesson of obedience earlier himself.
"I am very glad you have told me this, John," he said. "Have no fear that I will be harsh with the boy. He is wilful and headstrong; I suppose I was the same at his age."
"That you were, sir!"
Mr. Barton laughed, and the old man hastily apologised.
"I beg your pardon, sir, I'm sure; but, you know, I remember when you were just such a little chap as Master Theodore; and sometimes I'm most afraid I forget my manners. But I've the family's welfare at heart, and—"
"You're a faithful soul, John," his master interposed feelingly; "I know that." And having arrived at the Hall, they parted company.
Mr. Barton went straight upstairs to the nursery, where he found his wife and the two boys. It was almost dark, and his footsteps made no sound on the thick carpet, so that for a few minutes he stood in the background, unseen and unheard.
Mrs. Barton sat on a low chair by Jack's sofa. The little invalid's golden head rested on his mother's shoulder; whilst on a stool at her feet sat Theodore, looking up at her with interested eyes.