“Humph! Going back to-morrow, eh? Good job too. Why, he has been a whole half-year in his post.”
“Yes, uncle, a whole half-year!”
“And never stayed two months before at any of the excellent situations your father and I worried ourselves and our friends to death to get for him.”
“Now, uncle—”
“A lazy, thoughtless, good-for-nothing young vag— There, hold her again, Louie. She’s going to peck.”
“And you deserve it, uncle,” cried the girl, with a smile at her companion, in whose eyes the indignant tears were rising.
“What! for speaking the truth, and trying to let that foolish girl see my lord in his right colours?”
“Harry’s a good affectionate brother, and I love him very dearly,” said Louise, firmly; “and he’s your brother’s son, uncle, and in your heart, you love him too, and you’re proud of him, as proud can be.”
“You’re a silly, young goose, and as feather-brained as he is. Proud of him? Bah! I wish he’d enlist for a soldier, and get shot.”
“For shame, uncle!” cried Louise indignantly; and her face flushed too as she caught and held her companion’s hand.