‘No. He was impudent to me, and I can’t allow that. He’ll have to go.’
Richard spoke with decision. When the fact of impudence was disclosed Adela felt that it was useless to plead. She looked at her fan and was sorrowful.
‘So you are going to read to the youngsters to-day?’ Mutimer recommenced.
‘Yes; Mr. Wyvern has given me a book that will do very well indeed.’
‘Oh, has he?’ said Richard doubtfully. ‘Is it a religious book? That kind of thing won’t do, you know.’
‘No, it isn’t religious at all. Only a book of fairy tales.’
‘Fairy tales!’ There was scorn in his way of repeating the words. ‘Couldn’t you find something useful? A history book, you know, or about animals, or something of that kind. We mustn’t encourage them in idle reading. And that reminds me of Alice. You really must get her away from those novels. I can’t make out what’s come to the girl. She seems to be going off her head. Did you notice at lunch?—she didn’t seem to understand what I said to her. Do try and persuade her to practise, if nothing else.’
‘I am afraid to do more than just advise in a pleasant way,’ said Adela.
‘Well, I shall lose my temper with her before long.’
‘How is Harry doing? ‘Adela asked, to pass over the difficult subject.