you forgotten the teapot in your hero-worship? How
late mother is!' He hesitated and looked at Kester. 'She would like me
to meet her; it is such a long, lonely walk. But no'--as a cloud stole
over Kester's face--'perhaps she will take the omnibus. Open your books
and let me see your day's work;' and Cyril quietly repressed a yawn as
he took a cup of cold tea from Mollie's hand.

He was tired. A walk through the dewy lanes would refresh him. He was in
a restless mood; he wanted to be alone, to stretch himself and to
think--perhaps to indulge in some youthful dream. But he was used to
combating these moods; he would rather bear anything than disappoint
Kester. And then he drank off his tea without a murmur, and the next
moment the two brothers were hard at work.

CHAPTER VIII

'I HOPE BETTER THINGS OF AUDREY'

'Your manners are always under examination, and by committees
little suspected--a police in citizen's clothes--who are awarding
or denying you very high prizes when you least think of
it.'--EMERSON.

Mrs. Harcourt had had a successful afternoon. All the nicest people had
been at home, and a great many pleasant things had been said to her; her
mother had been a charming companion. Nevertheless, there was a slight
cloud on Mrs. Harcourt's face as she walked through the shrubbery that
led to her house, and the fold of care was still on her brow as she
entered her husband's study--a pleasant room on the ground-floor,
overlooking the garden. Mr. Harcourt was reading, but he put down his
magazine and greeted his wife with a smile. He was just rising from his
seat, but she prevented him by laying her hand on his shoulder.

'Don't move, Percival; you look so comfortable. I will sit by you a
minute. I hope I am not interrupting you.'

'Such an interruption is only pleasant, my dear,' was the polite answer.
'Well, have you and Audrey had a nice afternoon?'

'Mother came with me. Audrey had some ridiculous engagement with the
Blakes. Percival, I am growing seriously uneasy at this new vagary on
Audrey's part. Would you believe it?--she has been the whole afternoon
at the Gray Cottage helping those children! and Michael has been there,
too; we met them just now.'

Mr. Harcourt raised his eyebrows; he was evidently surprised at this bit
of news, though he took it with his usual philosophy.

'Never mind, Jerry,' he said kindly, after a glance at his wife's vexed
face, 'we cannot always in