They do sometimes. Very well. It couldn't be Paul and it couldn't be you, because you're born the other way. It's always me. You don't need to look round for some one to put the blame on. You know it's me. And that's a sort of use now, isn't it? Virginia. Is it? Zack. Think of the time it saves. I'm always handy to be cussed at. Like a cat, you know. Some folks keep a cat or a dog, and when their feelings get too much to hold, they kick the cat. Well, I'm the cat in this house. (_He speaks entirely without bitterness. It is all accepted fact._) Paul. You sleep like one, but a cat's more use than you. You don't catch mice. Zack. I eat more, too. And that's a thing I've tried to master and I can't. You'd be surprised the way I've tried to fight my appetite. Mrs. Munning. It's news to me. Zack. I own it didn't show. It beat me every time Eating agrees with me. That's where it is. I'm a natural-born eater and I can't go against nature. Mrs. Munning. You needn't talk about it. Zack. No. But it's like my other ways. It can't be hid. I'm eating now in the parlour as hearty as if it were in the kitchen. And that's not right, is it? Virginia. I don't know. Zack. Parlour's for eating like you didn't mean it, and only played with food to pass the time. I wish I could pretend with food. But the habit's got too strong a hold on me for that. I'll never be a gentleman. Mrs. Munning. That'll do, Zack. Talking about yourself with your mouth full. Jenny's heard quite enough. Paul. What would you like to do after tea, Jenny? Virginia. Anything you like. I must just write to mother first to tell her I got here all right. Mrs. Munning. Of course. Virginia. What time does the post go? Mrs. Munning. Six o'clock. Virginia. I'd better write at once. Then I shall be quite at your disposal, cousin. Paul. I thought you and mother might go out. The country's looking quite like spring. Zack. I've noticed the celandine's in bud. Mrs. Munning. Are you too tired for a walk, Jenny? Virginia. Not at all. Mrs. Munning. Then Paul shall take you. Youth with youth. Paul. I'm rather busy at the works. Zack. Works! And busy! Paul (_silencing him_). Yes, busy. So if you'll excuse me now------ Virginia. Of course. Zack. Well! that's a oner. Paul. I'll just clear off my work as quickly as I can. (_Exit Paul._) Zack. That'll not take long. Busy! Mrs. Munning. Paul's busy if you're not. Hadn't you better go and help him? Zack. There's no wurk in to help him at. We've never been so slack. Mrs. Munning. It's there if you'll go and look for it, and stop making an exhibition of your laziness to your cousin. Zack. I haven't finished my tea. Mrs. Munning. Every one else has. It's not our fault you came in late. Will you write your letter here, Jenny? (_Indicates bureau._) Virginia. I have notepaper upstairs, aunt.