His tone made it clear to Robert that this was a sneer, but he had too much self-respect and too much regard for Herbert to take offense at it.
“You mean my awkwardness,” he said. “You are quite welcome to the amusement it must afford you.”
George arched his brows in surprise.
“Really this ragged boy is talking to me as if he considered me his equal,” he thought. “It is Herbert’s fault. He should not treat him so familiarly. I really don’t care to be in such company.”
“You must excuse me, Herbert,” said George, rising with suitable dignity. “As you are provided with company, you can spare me. I will go into the house and read for a while.”
“Very well, George.”
“I hope I haven’t driven your cousin away, Herbert,” said Robert.
“I don’t care whether you have or not, Bob,” said Herbert, “I’m awfully disappointed in him. Papa invited him to visit us, thinking he would be company for me, but, instead of that, he objects to everything I propose. I find it very hard to entertain him.”
“He doesn’t appear to fancy me,” said Robert.
“Don’t mind him, Bob. He’s a mean, stuck-up fellow, if he is my cousin.”