"Oh, you sentimental women! If a man has got a fit of indigestion, or the gout in his big toe, it is heartache with you. He is posing as a country-lover, and he's already bored to death. He jumped at the idea of an all night fishing. I'll tell you if he has had a disappointing love affair after our expedition is over. But I doubt it. He's bored to tears with the quiet here, and won't own up to it." "We won't criticise him, Austin. He is a stranger and deserves our consideration." When Sidney chose, a certain aloof inflection of tone had the effect of a severe snub upon Austin. He instantly demanded very weakly: "Please tell me what to talk about now," and then with laughter, they resumed their usual happy intercourse together. The day after, Monica called for Sidney to drive into the nearest market town with her. Admiral Urquhart had a small trap, and a very fat lazy pony. Monica's cob was a fast one, and Sidney was always glad to go with her rather than drive herself. Friday was market day in Pegborough, and both of them liked to go there every week. "Randolph has taken Chuckles off my hands for the day," Monica said. "I shall be glad when his holidays are over. He is rather a handful for poor Aunt Dannie, and I can't have him always with me." "I wish you would send him up to me oftener. I adore him." "Sidney, I'm going to ask a favour of you." Monica spoke abruptly, and a certain little frown appeared between her level eyebrows. "Ask away; you know you will get it." "Don't be rash. It's this. I want to know if you'll give Chuckles a little Sunday tuition on Sunday afternoons?" If Sidney was surprised, she did not show it. Monica flicked her cob a little nervously as she continued: "I can't do it, as you know. It isn't in my line at all, and poor old Aunt Dannie tries and fails. Last Sunday the little imp chased her round the room with sofa cushions. I know you have a class in the morning, and it seems nasty of me to wish to spoil your quiet Sunday afternoons, but the fact is, I feel he wants something that I can't give him. He is growing up a godless little heathen, and seems lacking in moral principles. I don't know why I can't give them to him, but I can't. They're instinctive with me, but he seems morally deficient. And I'm anxious, awfully anxious, that he should grow up to be an upright honourable man. I know what you believe in, Sidney, and I want you to impart your faith to him." Sidney was silent. Sudden tears sprang into her eyes. "I would love to have him, Monica dear, but you ought to teach him, not I." Monica looked before her with set lips.