Chapter XVIII—The Disadvantages of trying to be Good
At breakfast next morning Mr. George Early was a model of politeness and urbanity. His courteousness obtruded itself so much that Aunt Phœbe could scarcely refrain from remarking upon it. After watching him closely, she decided that the night had effected one of those great changes sometimes observable in men after a crisis. He had turned over a new leaf.
Without delay she put this to the test. "I suppose," she remarked, smiling pleasantly at her nephew, "that I may rely upon you for a ten-pound subscription to the 'Friendly Friday Evenings for Mothers Society?'"
George was all attention at once. "Most certainly," he said. "I'm very glad you mentioned it. A noble institution."
"I'm pleased to hear you say that," said his aunt. "You were not always on the Society's side, and I'm glad to find that your views have changed."
George shook his head sorrowfully. "I'm afraid that I have not been altogether free from error," he faltered.
"Darling!" cried Mrs. Early, who foresaw a display of feeling, and was apprehensive of trouble.
"No," said her husband, gravely, raising his right hand; "I have not. In the light of certain events—by the wisdom of a certain person no longer with us, I see it. I have been wrong. I admit it."
"You have not been wrong, darling!" cried Mrs. Early, impulsively.