r philosophical or literary or
linguistic subject to reply plausibly to six questions out of ten. He
could retain the information necessary for such a feat just long enough
to give a successful performance; then it would evaporate utterly from
his brain, and leave him undisturbed. George, like his "crowd," not only
preferred "being things" to "doing things," but had contented himself
with four years of "being things" as a preparation for going on "being
things." And when Lucy rather shyly pressed him for his friend's
probable definition of the "things" it seemed so superior and beautiful
to be, George raised his eyebrows slightly, meaning that she should have
understood without explanation; but he did explain: "Oh, family and all
that--being a gentleman, I suppose."

Lucy gave the horizon a long look, but offered no comment.

Chapter XVI

"Aunt Fanny doesn't look much better," George said to his mother, a few
minutes after their arrival, on the night they got home. He stood with
a towel in her doorway, concluding some sketchy ablutions before going
downstairs to a supper which Fanny was hastily preparing for them.
Isabel had not telegraphed; Fanny was taken by surprise when they drove
up in a station cab at eleven o'clock; and George instantly demanded "a
little decent food." (Some criticisms of his had publicly disturbed the
composure of the dining-car steward four hours previously.) "I never
saw anybody take things so hard as she seems to," he observed, his voice
muffled by the towel. "Doesn't she get over it at all? I thought she'd
feel better when we turned over the insurance to her--gave it to her
absolutely, without any strings to it. She looks about a thousand years
old!"

"She looks quite girlish, sometimes, though," his mother said.

"Has she looked that way much since father--"

"Not so much," Isabel said thoughtfully. "But she will, as times goes
on."

"Time'll have to hurry, then, it seems to me," George observed,
returning to his own room.

When they went down to the dining room, he pronounced acceptable the
salmon salad, cold beef, cheese, and cake which Fanny made ready for
them without disturbing the servants. The journey had fatigued
Isabel, she ate nothing, but sat to observe with tired pleasure the
manifestations of her son's appetite, meanwhile giving her sister-in-law
a brief summary of the events of commencement. But presently she kissed
them both good-night--taking care to kiss G