‘I know that you are a young ass.’

‘Really, father——’

‘Hold your tongue.’

Roger can shout also.

‘I must say, father——’

‘Be quiet, I tell you.’

It is in the middle of this competition that the lady who dotes on them both chooses to come back, still without her spectacles.

‘Oh dear! And I had hoped——Oh, John!’

Mr. Torrance would like to kick himself. ‘My fault,’ he says with a groan.

‘But whatever is the matter?’