“My dear, I think this is a subject which would be all the better without your interference.”
“Well, if a mother hasn’t a right to interfere in the question of her child’s religion....”
“You did your bit when you taught him to say his prayers—I daresay that was what started all the mischief.”
“John, if you’re going to talk to me like this I shall leave the room.”
“I believe I’ve already suggested such a course once or twice this evening.”
Lady Alard rose with dignity and trailed to the door.
“I’m sure I hope you’ll be able to manage him,” she said bitterly to George as she went out, “but as far as I’m concerned I’d much rather you argued him out of his infatuation for Stella Mount.”
“There is always someone in my family in love with Stella Mount,” said Sir John, “and it’s better that it should be Gervase than Peter or George, who are closer to the title, and, of course, let me hasten to add, married men. But this is the first case of religious mania we’ve ever had in the house—therefore I’d rather George concentrated on that. Will you ask Mr. Gervase to come here?”—to the servant who answered his ring.
“Mr. Gervase is in the garage, sir.”
“Send him along.”