The moment they recognise
their own inferiority, they feel the desire for improvement."
Mrs. Chichester listened indignantly to this, somewhat
platitudinous, sermon on how to develop character. And indignation
was in her tone when she replied:
"Surely, she has sufficient example here, sir?"
Hawkes was on one of his dearest hobbies--"Characters and
Dispositions." He had once read a lecture on the subject. He smiled
almost pityingly at Mrs. Chichester, as he shook his head and
answered her.
"No, Mrs. Chichester, pardon me--but NO! She has NOT sufficient
example here. Much as I appreciate a HOME atmosphere, it is only
when the young get AWAY from it that they really develop. It is the
contact with the world, and its huge and marvellous interests, that
strengthens character and solidifies disposition. It is only--" he
stopped.
Mrs. Chichester was evidently either not listening, or was entirely
unimpressed. She was tapping her left hand with a lorgnette she held
in her right, and was waiting for an opportunity to speak.
Consequently, Mr. Hawkes stopped politely.
"If you can persuade her to remain with us, I will do anything you
wish in regard to her character and its development."
"Don't be uneasy," he replied easily, "she will stay.
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