“What’s it to be,” said Wales, “a lecture or a row?”
“A row, I hope,” said Tempest wearily.
“What’s wrong, old chap?” asked Pridgin.
“Nothing. Out of curl, that’s all,” said Tempest, trying to assume a laugh.
“You’re not going to cave in to Jarman at this time of day,” said Wales, “are you?”
“Do you think it likely?” said Tempest.
“I tell you what I don’t like,” said Pridgin presently; “that’s the way Crofter’s lately taken to do the virtuous.”
“That’s not the worst of him,” said Wales; “but he’s been chumming up with Jarman. I’ve met them twice lately walking together.”
“I suppose he’s got his eye on the headship of the house,” said Tempest, “when I get kicked out.”
“Look here, old chap,” responded Pridgin, looking really anxious, “it’s not to come to that, surely. It would be intolerable to have him over us. Come what will, you must stick to us.”