<^ I could not bear to be examined by him as to where I was
going, and when I was coming ; and rather to prove my inde-
pendence, than for any other reason, I am come to you. Can
you forgive this ? "

^' Ay, truly can we," replied the old lady; " and be sure to
do the same next time, Charles. It makes me sick to think of
this species of paternal admonishing."

^^ I am to be lectured for my impatience under it, as I
suspect ; for he bade me meet him in his library to-morrow
morning."

'^ His hbrary ! Scoundrel !" exclaimed Sir Gilbert through
his closed teeth.
" Shall I obey the mandate. Sir Gilbert ?" said Charles. ^*0r
shall I take no notice of it ?."

" The question seems an easy one to answer, Charles?"
replied the baronet ; *' and had I been to answer yesterday
jnomiDg, I should hare said without hesitation, — set firs to the



VIOAR OF WREXHILL. 305

library, and stifle him in it like a weazel as he is^ rather than
come at his call. But I have taken it into my head since^ that
our best game will be to keep things soft and smooth for a
while. So wait upon him. Master Charles^ in your father s
library, and hear all he has got to say ; and don't turn yourself
out of the house ; and don't spit upon him if you can help it.
