'Oh mother, do shut up!' said Bruce shame-facedly. 'Well, he was very clever,' said Mrs Ottley defiantly. 'You'd hardly think so now perhaps, but the things that child used to say!' 'Don't spoil Archie as his mother spoilt Bruce,' said Mr. Ottley. 'Have you seen the new play at His Majesty's?' asked Bruce. 'No, I haven't. I went to the theatre _last_ year,' said old Mr Ottley. '_I_ haven't heaps of money to spend on superfluous amusements.' 'Bruce, you're not eating anything,' said Mrs Ottley anxiously. 'Do try some of these almonds and raisins. They're so good! I always get almonds and raisins at Harrod's now.' Edith seemed much interested, and warmly assented to the simple proposition that they were the best almonds and raisins in the world. The ladies retired. 'Most trying Mr Ottley's been lately,' said Mrs Ottley. 'Extremely worrying. Do you suppose I have had a single instant to go and order a new bonnet? Not a second! Has Bruce been tiresome at all?' 'Oh, no, he doesn't mean to be,' said Edith. Mrs Ottley pressed her hand. 'Darling I _know_ what it is. What a sweet dress! You have the most perfect taste. I don't care what people say, those Empire dresses are most trying. I think you're so right not to give in to it as so many young women are doing. Fashion indeed! Hiding your waist under a bushel instead of being humbly thankful that you've got one! Archie is the sweetest darling. I see very little likeness to Bruce, or his father. I think he takes after _my_ family, with a great look of you, dear. Most unfortunately, his father thinks Bruce is a little selfish ... too fond of pleasure. But he's a great deal at home, isn't he, dear?' 'Yes, indeed,' said Edith, with a slight sigh. 'I think it's only that he's always been a little bit spoilt. No wonder, the only son! But he's a great dear, really.' His mother shook her head. 'Dear loyal girl! I used to be like that too. May I give you a slight hint? Never contradict. Never oppose him. Agree with him, then he'll change his mind; or if he doesn't, say you'll do as he wishes, and act afterwards in the matter as your own judgement dictates. He'll never find it out. What's that?' A door banged, hasty steps were heard. Bruce came into the drawing-room alone, looking slightly flushed and agitated. 'Where's your father?' asked Mrs Ottley. 'Gone to his study.... We'd better be getting home, Edith.' Edith and Mrs Ottley exchanged glances. They had not been able to prevent the explosion after all. CHAPTER XII At the National Gallery It was with considerable difficulty and self-restraint that Cecil succeeded in waiting till the next day to see Mrs Raymond after his uncle's party. He was of an age and of a temperament that made his love affairs seem to him supremely urgent and of more importance than anything else in his life.