"I see you are incorrigible. I am sorry I invited you to remain in my house.
"I was under the impression that it was Aunt Eliza's house. You are claiming too much, Louisa."
Mrs. Tracy bit her lip, and was compelled to give up her attempt to secure her brother's allegiance. She contented herself with treating him with formal politeness, abstaining from all show of cordiality. This was carried on so far that it attracted the attention of Mrs. Merton.
"What is the trouble between you and Louisa?" she asked one day.
Warner laughed.
"She thinks I am too intimate with your boy, Luke."
"I don't understand."
"I often walk with Luke either on his way to or from the house. Harold has reported this to his mother, and the result is a lecture as to the choice of proper companions from my dignified sister."
Mrs. Merton smiled kindly on her nephew.
"Then you don't propose to give up Luke?" she said.