Mrs. Mallory had some remarks to make _à propos_ of the young lady, but she deferred them for a moment in order to inquire, ‘What have you been doing all day?’ And she placed herself in an easy-chair opposite to his, and held a feathery screen between her face and the fire. ‘I have been, like a good little boy, attending to my lessons,’ said her son, lazily. ‘Ah, don’t speak in parables! I have forgotten how. In this dreadful place every one says the most disagreeable things they can think of, in the most disagreeable way they can think of, and then call it being honest and candid. And if you can contrive to drop a few h’s, and speak in a broad Lancashire dialect at the same time, you are thought very honest and candid indeed. I detest the place!’ ‘Do you really, mother? I wonder you have remained here so long.’ ‘I have tried to do my duty, Sebastian, to you and your property. A woman must make up her mind to sacrifice herself--a mother above all others.’ ‘I am infinitely obliged to you, mother, but I trust that now you will have a long and complete rest. I am going to learn my business----’ ‘Very proper, but I think it will take you some time. With your habits, I am afraid you will find it a frightful bore.’ ‘Do you know my habits, mother?’ he inquired in the very quietest of voices. Mrs. Mallory looked at him in some surprise. As a matter of fact, she did not know his habits in the very least. But, looking at him as he lounged in his easy-chair, with the newspaper across his knees, she said within herself, and prided herself upon her discernment, ‘His father all over: weak and idle, though he has more surface quickness. I don’t think I shall have much trouble with him.’ ‘At least I know, dear, that your habits have not been those of Thanshope business men. But I suppose your first object will be to go over the works and see your people?’ ‘I have been over the works, and have seen my people, and spoken to them.’ ‘When--why did you not tell me?’ she asked vivaciously, and with no little vexation. ‘You should not be so impetuous, Sebastian.’ He laughed. ‘The first time I was ever accused of impetuousness. It shows indeed that you don’t know my habits.’ This was annoying, though it was impossible to complain about it. ‘These people will not bear to be treated unceremoniously, though they are such bears themselves.’ ‘I am not aware that I did treat them unceremoniously.’ ‘What did you say to them?’ she asked, curiosity getting the better of vexation. ‘I wish you had not been so hasty. A speech of that kind requires both consideration and careful management I hope you did not commit yourself. They are such frightful people for taking up one’s most innocent remarks and construing them into something quite different from what one intended.’ Mrs. Mallory spoke feelingly, as if from experience.