“Some of the Steinberg Cabinet for Mr. Fothersley, Mansfield.” Indeed, both the Norths saw at once that Mr. Fothersley was not quite himself, that he had been upset. It was impossible to tell the chief causes of his annoyance before the servants, though, in an interval, he commented on the familiar behaviour of the sweep, and his views as to the results of “the new independence” on the working classes, and the danger of strikes. “I have no patience with this pandering to the lower classes,” said Mrs. North. “They must be taught.” North, who was genuinely fond of little Mr. Fothersley, did not ask “How?” as he had an irritating habit of doing when he heard his wife enunciate this formula. Mr. Fothersley agreed. “Certainly, they must be taught.” He was distinctly soothed. The Steinberg Cabinet had not altered, indeed it had gained in its power to minister. The objectionable feeling that the foundations on which his world was built were quivering and breaking up subsided into the background, and by the time the coffee came, and the servants departed, he was his usual genial kindly little self, and could even give a risible turn to his account of Mr. Pithey’s impertinence. “I lost my temper and, I am afraid, practically gibbered at him with rage,” he owned. “I was hardly dignified. But that I should live to hear that Marion Condor is disapproved of by Mrs. Pithey!” “Insolent brute!” said Mrs. North, all unconscious that her language was Pithian. “Can nobody put him in his place?” “He must be taught,” suggested North wickedly. But, though his wife shot a doubtful glance at him, Mr. Fothersley took the suggestion in good faith. “I quite agree with you, Roger. The question is, How? Unfortunately we have all called.” “We could all cut him,” suggested Mrs. North. “I don’t approve of cutting people, my dear Nita. In a small community it makes things very unpleasant and leads to such uncomfortable situations.” Indeed, Mr. Fothersley had more than once interposed in almost a high-handed manner to prevent Mrs. North cutting ladies of whom she thought she had reason to be jealous. “No, I sincerely wish we had never called, but having called, and indeed invited these people to our houses, received them as guests, I should deprecate cutting them. You agree with me, Roger?” “Certainly. The Pitheys would not care if you did. Also he is the sort of man who could worry you a good deal in the village if he took it into his head to do so. Better keep good terms with him if you can.” “What did Miss Seer say?” asked Mrs. North. “I don’t remember her saying anything, but I was so agitated. I didn’t, of course, even look at her. You don’t think his remarks will give rise to any ideas——” Mr. Fothersley paused, looking from one to the other. “Good Lord, no!” said North. “How do you know?” asked his wife sharply. “I should certainly advise Arthur to keep away for the future.” North shrugged his shoulders as he rose from the table.