I shall ask
you to superintend the fitting up of my conservatory upon similar
principles."

"Really, sir, I--" began Vane; but the rector smiled and raised a
protesting hand.

"Don't refuse me, Vane," he said. "Of course I shall beg that you do
not attempt any of the manual labour--merely superintend; but I shall
exact one thing, if you consent to do it for me. That is, if the one at
the manor succeeds."

"Of course I will do it, if you wish, sir," said Vane.

"I felt sure you would. I said so to your uncle, and your aunt said she
was certain you would," continued the rector; "but, as I was saying, I
shall exact one thing: as my cook is a very particular woman, and would
look startled if I even proposed to go into the kitchen--"

He paused, and Vane, who was in misery, glanced at Macey--to see that he
was thoroughly enjoying it all, while Distin's countenance expressed the
most sovereign contempt.

"I say, Vane Lee," said the rector again, as if he expected an answer,
"I shall exact one thing."

"Yes, sir. What?"

"That the rule of the queen of the kitchen be respected; but--ah, let me
see, Mr Distin, I think we were to take up the introductory remarks
made on the differential calculus."

And the morning's study at the rectory went on.

"Best bit of fun I've had for a long time," cried Macey, as he strolled
out with Vane when the readings were at an end.

"Yes, at my expense," cried Vane sharply. "My leg hurts still with that
kick."

"Oh, that's nothing," cried Macey; "I kicked old Distie twice as hard by
mistake, and he's wild with Gilmore because he thinks it's he."

Vane gripped him by the collar.

"No, no, don't. I apologise," cried Macey. "Don't be a coward."

"You deserve a good kicking," cried Vane, loosing his grasp.

"Yes, I know I do, but be magnanimous in your might, oh man of genius."

"Look here," cried Vane, grinding his teeth, "if you call me a genius
again, I will kick you, and hard too."

"But I must. My mawmaw said I was always to speak the truth, sir."

"Yes, and I'll make you speak the truth, too. Such nonsense! Genius!
Just because one can use a few tools, and scheme a little. It's
absurd."

"All right. I will not call you a genius any more. But I say, old
chap, shall you try and make a boat go by machinery?"

"I should like to," said Vane, who became dreamy and thoughtful
directly. "But I have no boat."

"Old Rounds would lend you his. There was a jolly