Perceiving that he had quite banished the smile from his nephew’s eyes, Lord, Lionel relented, saying in a kindlier tone: “There is no need to be cast into a fit of dejection because I am obliged to give you a scold, boy. There, we shall say no more about it. Give the letter to your aunt to read, and come into the library with me. I have something I wish to say to you.”
The Duke looked extremely apprehensive on hearing these ominous words, but he obediently handed over the letter to Lady Lionel, and followed his uncle downstairs to the library on the entrance floor. Since the candles had already been lit, and the fire made up, it was apparent to him that this interview had been premeditated. Insensibly, he braced himself to meet it with becoming fortitude, wishing that he dared light one of the cigarillos which his cousin Gideon had very reprehensively bestowed on him. But as Lord Lionel objected strongly to the vice of smoking, both on the score of itsbeing a vulgar, dirty habit, and of its being excessively injurious to the lungs, he did not dare.
“Sit down, Gilly!” said Lord Lionel, treading over to the fire, and taking up his favourite position before it.
This command was less unnerving than earlier ones (delivered in ferocious accents) to stand up straight and put his hands behind his back, but the prospect of having to sit in a low chair while his uncle loomed over him was almost equally daunting. The Duke’s apprehensive look deepened, and although he did sit down, it was with obvious reluctance.
Lord Lionel, who did not include the taking of snuff amongst the vulgar and dirty habits engendered by the use of tobacco, helped himself to a generous pinch, and shut his box with a snap. “You know, Gilly,” he said, “that letter of your uncle’s comes remarkably pat.”
The Duke’s eyes lifted quickly to his face. “Yes, sir?”
“Yes, my boy. You will be of full age in less than a year now, and it is high time we were thinking of settling your affairs comfortably.”
The Duke was aware of a sinking sensation in the pit of his stomach. He kept his eyes fixed on his uncle’s face. “Yes, sir?”
For once in his life, Lord Lionel seemed disinclined to come speedily to the point of his discourse. He opened his snuff-box again, and said: “I have always tried to do my best for you, boy, I daresay you may sometimes have thought me harsh—”
“Oh, no!” said the Duke faintly.