"He takes far too much upon himself. I have no idea of permitting country apothecaries to be so familiar," said Miss Crewys.
CHAPTER V
Lady Mary, coming from the library with the letter in her hand, met her husband in the hall.
"Timothy!"
She looked at him wistfully. Her face was very pale as she gave him the letter. Sir Timothy took out his glasses, wiped them deliberately, and put them on.
"Never mind reading it. I can tell you in one word," she said, trembling with impatience. "My boy is sailing for South Africa to-morrow morning."
"I prefer," said Sir Timothy, "to read the letter for myself."
"Oh, do be quick!" she said, half under her breath.
But he read it slowly twice, and folded it. He was really thunderstruck. Peter was accustomed to write polite platitudes to his parent, and had presumably not intended that his letter to the canon should be actually read by Sir Timothy, when he had asked that the contents of it should be broken to him.
"Selfish, disobedient, headstrong, deceitful boy!" said Sir Timothy.