' The man is a very strange nature. I think he never forgives a
benefit. I sometimes think he has no sense of the difference between
right and wrong--an unmoral nature, beyond your preaching or mine, Grace,
even if he ever gave us a chance."
"I think he is a cruel beast," said John. "I saw him once--"
Rivers interrupted him saying, as he rose, "Suppose we smoke."
With unconscious imitation of the courteous Squire he represented, John
said, "We will smoke in the library if you have had enough wine."
Rivers said, "Certainly, Squire," not altogether amused as John, a little
embarrassed, said quickly, "I should have said cider."
"Of course, we have had no wine, quite a natural mistake," remarked
Grace, which the representative squire felt to be a very disagreeable
comment.
"You will find cigars and pipes on the table," said the rector, "and I
will join you in a moment." So saying he detained John by a hand on his
arm and led him aside as they crossed the hall.
"You are feeling that old hard cider, my boy. You had better go to bed. I
should have warned you."
"Yes, sir--I--did not--I mean--I--"
"_C'est une diablesse_--a little devil. There are others, and worse ones,
John. Good-night."
On the stairs the young fellow felt a deepening sense of humiliation
and surprise as he became aware of the value of the banister-rail.
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