"Self-will be----! somethinged!" growled Leonard. "Did you ever know a man who cultivated anybody else's will? Would you have me pretend to be better than I am--tell you that I can feel all affection for the girl who preferred the first stranger who came in her way to the playfellow and companion of her childhood?" "If you had been a little less tormenting, a little less exacting with her in those days, Leonard, I think she would have remembered you more tenderly," said Mrs. Tregonell. "If you are going to lecture me about what I was as a boy we'd better cut the conversation," retorted Leonard. "I'll go and practise the spot-stroke for half an hour, while you take your after-dinner nap." "No, dear, don't go away. I don't feel in the least inclined for sleep. I had no idea of lecturing you, Leonard, believe me; only I cannot help regretting, as you do, that Christabel should not be more attached to you. But I feel very sure that, if you are patient, she will come to think differently by-and-by." "Didn't you tell me to ask her--and quickly?" "Yes, that was because I was impatient. Life seemed slipping away from me--and I was so eager to be secure of my dear boy's happiness. Let us try different tactics, Leo. Take things quietly for a little--behave to your cousin just as if there had been nothing of this kind between you--and who knows what may happen." "I know of one thing that may and will happen next October, unless the lady changes her tune," answered Leonard, sulkily. "What is that?" "I shall go to South America--do a little mountaineering in the Equatorial Andes--enjoy a little life in Valparaiso, Truxillo--Lord knows where! I've done North America, from Canada to Frisco, and now I shall do the South." "Leonard, you would not be so cruel as to leave me to die in my loneliness; for I think, dear, you must know that I have not long to live." "Come, mother, I believe you fancy yourself ever so much worse than you really are. This jog-trot, monotonous life of yours would breed vapours in the liveliest person. Besides, if you should be ill while I am away, you'll have your niece, whom you love as a daughter--and perhaps your niece's husband, this dear Angus of yours--to take care of you." "You are very hard upon me, Leonard--and yet, I went against my conscience for your sake. I let Christabel break with her lover. I said never one word in his favour, although I must have known in my heart that they would both be miserable. I had your interest at heart more than theirs--I thought, 'here is a chance for my boy.'" "You were very considerate--a day after the fair. Don't you think it would have been better to be wise before the event, and not to have invited that coxcomb to Mount Royal?" He came again and again to the charge, always with fresh bitterness. He could not forgive his mother for this involuntary wrong which she had done to him.