“If he persists in coming here, you must tell him decidedly that he is not wanted,” said Mrs. Davenport.
“There will be no difficulty,” said the lawyer. “He is to leave town at once, and probably Mr. Sharp will find him a place.”
“I am glad of that.”
“I am not,” said James. “I should like to see him working at some trade here in town, so that I could snub him and so pay him off for his independent airs.”
The family had just risen from the supper-table when Tom was ushered into the room by the servant. The four who had been discussing him and his affairs looked at each other in a significant manner. Tom was sharp enough to see that the change in his fortunes was known, and he smiled to himself.
“Good-evening, Thomas,” said the lawyer, in a reserved tone. “Do you bring any message from Mr. Middleton?”
“No, I don’t,” said Tom independently. “I board with Mr. Middleton. I don’t carry messages for him.”
“It appears to me that you exhibit an unbecoming pride,” said the village magnate.
“Do I?” cried Tom. “I was only stating a fact, which you didn’t appear to understand. I came on my own business. You may know that I am to leave Plympton to-morrow.”
“Have you got a place yet?” asked James with a sneer.