“I don't like town,” he said, with a glance at Jane. “If I had my choice I would live here always. I would sooner live here in this charming spot with this charming society than anywhere.”
Mr. Rose coughed and, having caught his eye, shook his head at him and glanced significantly over at the unconscious Jane. The young man ignored his action and, having got an opening, gave utterance in the course of the next ten minutes to Radical heresies of so violent a type that the farmer could hardly keep his seat. Social distinctions were condemned utterly, and the House of Lords referred to as a human dust-bin. The farmer gazed open-mouthed at this snake he had nourished.
“Your lordship will alter your mind when you get to town,” said Jane, demurely.
“Never!” declared the other, impressively.
The girl sighed, and gazing first with much interest at her parent, who seemed to be doing his best to ward off a fit, turned her lustrous eyes upon the guest.
“We shall all miss you,” she said, softly. “You've been a lesson to all of us.”
“Lesson?” he repeated, flushing.
“It has improved our behavior so, having a lord in the house,” said Miss Rose, with painful humility. “I'm sure father hasn't been like the same man since you've been here.”
“What d'ye mean Miss?” demanded the farmer, hotly.
“Don't speak like that before his lordship, father,” said his daughter, hastily. “I'm not blaming you; you're no worse than the other men about here. You haven't had an opportunity of learning before, that's all. It isn't your fault.”