“We’re not quarrelling, mother,” replied Serge, “Frederic is annoyed with me. He doesn’t know why, nor do I. It’s those Lawries have upset him. It’s all right, mother. You go to bed. I’m a disturbing influence at present. You’ll get used to me and I shall become a habit like everything else.”
“It isn’t fair,” said Frederic.
“What isn’t fair?”
“It isn’t fair to talk to mother like that. She doesn’t understand you.”
“Of course she doesn’t. It isn’t any good talking. Go to bed mother.”
Frederic led his mother to the door and went out with her. Streeten declared that he must go and Mary saw him to the door.
Turning, Serge found Minna watching him with a broad grin on her face. She was as tall as he, big and fine, and he thought:
“Well, she at least is a handsome woman. Pity she doesn’t dress better.”
Minna said:
“I’m glad you made Frederic feel small. He’s a beast.”