OCTAVIUS. No; but I think I understand her. You must admit that your views are hardly suited for the formation of a young girl's mind and character. TANNER. I admit nothing of the sort. I admit that the formation of a young lady's mind and character usually consists in telling her lies; but I object to the particular lie that I am in the habit of abusing the confidence of girls. OCTAVIUS. Ann doesn't say that, Jack. TANNER. What else does she mean? STRAKER. [catching sight of Ann coming from the house] Miss Whitefield, gentlemen. [He dismounts and strolls away down the avenue with the air of a man who knows he is no longer wanted]. ANN. [coming between Octavius and Tanner]. Good morning, Jack. I have come to tell you that poor Rhoda has got one of her headaches and cannot go out with you to-day in the car. It is a cruel disappointment to her, poor child! TANNER. What do you say now, Tavy. OCTAVIUS. Surely you cannot misunderstand, Jack. Ann is showing you the kindest consideration, even at the cost of deceiving you. ANN. What do you mean? TANNER. Would you like to cure Rhoda's headache, Ann? ANN. Of course. TANNER. Then tell her what you said just now; and add that you arrived about two minutes after I had received her letter and read it. ANN. Rhoda has written to you! TANNER. With full particulars. OCTAVIUS. Never mind him, Ann. You were right, quite right. Ann was only doing her duty, Jack; and you know it. Doing it in the kindest way, too. ANN. [going to Octavius] How kind you are, Tavy! How helpful! How well you understand! Octavius beams. TANNER. Ay: tighten the coils. You love her, Tavy, don't you? OCTAVIUS. She knows I do. ANN. Hush. For shame, Tavy! TANNER. Oh, I give you leave. I am your guardian; and I commit you to Tavy's care for the next hour. ANN. No, Jack. I must speak to you about Rhoda. Ricky: will you go back to the house and entertain your American friend? He's rather on Mamma's hands so early in the morning. She wants to finish her housekeeping. OCTAVIUS. I fly, dearest Ann [he kisses her hand]. ANN. [tenderly] Ricky Ticky Tavy! He looks at her with an eloquent blush, and runs off. TANNER. [bluntly] Now look here, Ann. This time you've landed yourself; and if Tavy were not in love with you past all salvation he'd have found out what an incorrigible liar you are. ANN. You misunderstand, Jack. I didn't dare tell Tavy the truth. TANNER. No: your daring is generally in the opposite direction. What the devil do you mean by telling Rhoda that I am too vicious to associate with her? How can I ever have any human or decent relations with her again, now that you have poisoned her mind in that abominable way? ANN. I know you are incapable of behaving badly. TANNER. Then why did you lie to her? ANN. I had to. TANNER. Had to! ANN. Mother made me. TANNER. [his eye flashing] Ha! I might have known it. The mother! Always the mother!