“I think I will ask you to speak respectfully to me, Cyril,” said his father, with dignity.
“Respectfully!” said Cyril, with a mocking laugh. “Why, I’m behaving wonderfully. If I had stayed out at the sheep farm for another year I should have been a perfect boor.”
“And I must request, finally, that you interfere no more in any of the parish matters.”
“Well, who has interfered, father?”
“To put it plainly, then, my boy, I insist upon your keeping away from that school.”
“And for goodness’ sake, father, why?”
“I will tell you,” said the old clergyman, with no small show of excitement. “I have been reviled this morning, and accused of being wanting in duty, especially in the management of my sons.”
“Who dared to be so insolent?” cried the young man.
“I was compared to Eli of old, my boy; and I fear only too justly.”
“Let’s see; Eli’s sons were very naughty boys, weren’t they?” said the young man, laughing.