Perhaps not, but I can't help feeling it. And why shouldn't I, after all? When I was a boy my father was everything to me--after that he was always travelling, and I was left to my own devices. There are so many things that puzzle a chap when there's no one to talk them over with. It's different with girls, I suppose. At first I used to go to my mother: _she's_ always found life simple enough. Visits, and parties, and church--she looks upon church-going as another kind of visiting--well, do you know what _she_ said to me? "In the first place, my dear boy, your trousers are shocking. What you need is a good tailor. Then you ought to take up lawn tennis--and after that, we'll see." Well, that didn't help me much. And then your mother took pity on me. Again and again she's let me sit up half the night, talking things over with her. Ellen. And now you and she have got something to say to each other again. What is it, Norbert? Do tell me! Why can't _I_ help you as well as mother? Norbert. Perhaps you'd like to do my examination papers for me? Ellen. Nonsense; it's not that.--But you don't care for me any more. Norbert. You silly child! Ellen. You told me you did once--long ago--but since then--you've never once---- Norbert. Listen, dear. I made an awful ass of myself that day. Do you know what I did? I called on your father to ask his permission to marry you. Ellen. And you never told me? Norbert. Luckily your father was out--and as for your mother--well, she simply laughed at me! Ellen. Oh! Norbert. Oh, you know how your mother laughs at one. It doesn't hurt. "Dear boy," she said, in the kindest way, "it's too soon to talk of such things to Ellen. You must give her time to grow up." And I gave her my word I would; and you see I've kept it. Ellen. And if mother should---- Beata _enters_. Beata. Ellen, dear, go to Miss Mansborough. It's time for your reading. Norbert will come in a moment. Ellen. Yes, mother. (_Goes out_.) Beata (_who has been watching them closely_). By the way, Norbert--what about that promise you made me? Norbert. I've kept it, Aunt Beata. Beata. Then you want to talk to me about something else? Norbert. Yes. The storm-signals are up. My college club has turned on me: one, two, three, and out you go! Beata. Not in disgrace? Norbert.