see
the mists rise. He does so intensely love studying Nature."

"Humph?"

Margot looked at him sharply, her head involuntarily assuming a
defensive tilt.

"What does `Humph' mean, pray?"

"Just exactly and precisely what it says!"

"It doesn't sound at all flattering or nice."

"Probably not. It wasn't intended to be."

"Mr Elgood, how can you! What can you have to say about Ron that isn't
to his credit? I thought you liked him! I thought you admired him!
You must see--you _must_--that he is different from other boys of his
age. So much more clever, and thoughtful, and appreciative!"

"That's where the pity comes in! It's pitiful to see a lad like that
mooning away his time, when he ought to be busy at football or cricket,
or playing tricks on his betters. What business has he to appreciate
Nature? Tell me that! At twenty--is it, or only nineteen?--he ought to
be too much engrossed in exercising his muscles, and letting off steam
generally, to bother his head about effects of sun and mist. Sun and
mist, indeed! A good wholesome ordinary English lad doesn't care a toss
about sun or mist, except as they help or hinder his enjoyment of
sport!"

"Ronald is not an `ordinary English boy'!"

"Hoity-toity! Now she's offended!" The Chieftain looked at his
companion's flushed cheeks with twinkling eyes, not one whit daunted by
her airs of dignified displeasure. "Don't want me to say what isn't
true, do you? He's a nice lad--a very nice lad, and a clever one into
the bargain, though by no means the paragon you think him. That's why
I'm sorry to see him frittering away his youth, instead of making hay
while the sun shines. He'll be old soon enough. Wake up some fine
morning to find himself with a bald head and stiff joints. Then he'll
be sorry! Wouldn't bother my head about him if I didn't like the lad.
Have a peppermint? It will soothe your feelings."

The parcel of round black bull's eyes was held towards Margot in
ingratiating fashion. It was impossible to refuse, impossible to
cherish angry feelings, impossible to do anything but laugh and be happy
in the presence of this kindest and most cheery of men. Margot took the
peppermint, and sucked it with frank enjoyment the while she sat by the
tarn reading her letters. Having received nothing from home for several
days, the same post had now brought letters from her father, Edith, and
Agnes, to say nothing of illustrated missives from the two