'
So papa acquiesced with a polite regret, and hoped another time.
'Oh, leave all that to me. When you want him, only write me a note, and
I'll send him or bring him if you let me. I always know where to find
him--don't I, Charlie?--and we shall be only too happy.'
Aunt Monica's influence with her nephew was special, for she 'tipped' him
handsomely every now and then, and he had formed for himself agreeable
expectations, besides, respecting her will. I felt rather angry at his
submitting to this sort of tutelage, knowing nothing of its motive; I was
also disgusted by Cousin Monica's tyranny.
So soon as he had left the room, Lady Knollys, not minding me, said briskly
to papa, 'Never let that young man into your house again. I found him
making speeches, this morning, to little Maud here; and he really has not
two pence in the world--it is amazing impudence--and you know such absurd
things do happen.'
'Come, Maud, what compliments did he pay you?' asked my father.
I was vexed, and therefore spoke courageously. 'His compliments were not to
me; they were all to the house,' I said, drily.
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