Two Worlds and Their Ways Read Online Free PDF Page B

be time you did,” said Aldom. “Changes must come. I may get to be known for what I am.”
    â€œI should think that is taking place,” said Adela. “If it has not already done so.”
    â€œAre you really something we don’t know?” said Sefton.
    â€œI am the general man, called by courtesy the butler. And not always so much courtesy either.”
    â€œOh, Father and Mother are much better than most people,” said Clemence.
    â€œAnd quite right that she should think so,” said Adela, looking into Aldom’s eyes. “And I am not saying it is not the case.”
    â€œWell, I mightn’t be better than they are, in their position.”
    â€œAre you better now?” said Sefton.
    â€œWell, I am a useful person, ready to soil my hands.”
    â€œSo that is what he thinks of himself,” said Adela.
    â€œTrial by ordeal,” said Clemence.
    â€œWhat is that?” said Adela. “And where have you got hold of it?”
    â€œOh, one hears all sorts of things between daybreak and dusk.”
    â€œIt is my belief that most of what she says, comes out of her own head.”
    â€œIt is talking to Mr. Oliver,” said Aldom. “That gives her an opportunity. But it may be better for her to go where there are more and different.”
    â€œAnd what do you know about what is better for her? Children do not need to get old before their time. And what does she want with common knowledge? She is not in the position of Miss Petticott. It would only reduce her level.”
    A step sounded on the stairs, and a change took place in the atmosphere that was almost tangible.
    â€œNo, Miss Clemence, this is a different sort of wall. No damp could come in here,” said Aldom, in an instructive tone. “You see, the bricks are not just painted. They are covered with cement.”
    â€œDo you understand now, Master Sefton?” said Adela, in an almost severe manner.
    â€œYes,” said Sefton, in a tone of just coming to this point.
    â€œA lesson in building?” said Maria, smiling as she reached them. “But what about the other lessons that are waiting? And Miss Petticott waiting too! This is not the way to prepare for school.”
    â€œPoor little things! To have that thrown at them, whatever they do or say!” said Adela, looking after them. “When I was their age, I was welcome under my father’s roof.”
    â€œI don’t know that I was,” said Aldom. “My father did not do much for me.”
    The children certainly had a feeling of hardly being this, as the day wore on, and the idea of exile sank into their minds. The feeling was heightened by the necessity of having meals where their presence seemed superfluous, if not unsuitable. Tea at an earlier than their usual hour enhanced the position, especially as Maria appeared reluctant to assume the duties involved. She stood in the hall with a list in her hand, and her mind distracted by something that eluded it.
    â€œIs her ladyship coming to make the tea, Aldom?”
    â€œI cannot say, Sir Roderick,” said Aldom, glancing through the door, and then applying a light to the lamp under the kettle, a duty that Maria saw as her own. “She is within sight and hearing.”
    â€œAnd might be a thousand miles away.”
    â€œNot as far as that,” said his wife, coming suddenly into the room, and at once going to the lamp to reverse the arrangements. “The kettle here and the lamp underneathit, Aldom. Not here and here, so that half the heat is wasted. I have explained that before.”
    â€œYes, my lady.”
    â€œThere would be nothing else except expenses and enough refreshments to prevent any feeling,” said Maria, letting go her pencil and holding out her hand for Aldom to restore it, and bringing her eyes to rest on Miss Petticott as the likely source of attention.
    â€œI do not know who is to have that,” said Sir