"You are come of a family of gentlemen including, of course, your father," the General said, with the air of one who means to keep his temper, no matter what happens. "But I can't retract my statement regarding the disappointment you are to me."
"I do not ask you to, sir," said May, very distinctly.
The General's face grew very red when this cool response met his ears, but he controlled himself, and said,—
"I have said that I perceive defects in your deportment that are lamentable from my point of view; it is my purpose to remedy them."
"How?" May inquired, simply.
"By a course of training," replied the General, with a bland smile.
"Have you written to my father about it?"
"No," answered the General, looking dazed.
"You'd better ask his permission, first."