Then he worked his heel more vigorously in the hole. ’Take care what you are about, Charles, you are breaking the slate, and making what was bad, worse.’
’I wish I had Mrs. Veale’s heart under that there stone,’ said Charles, viciously. ’I’d grind my heel into it till I’d worked through it. You don’t know how uncomfortable she makes me.’
’I can’t do it. She won’t let me. She runs after me as a cat after a milk-maid.’
’Surely, Charles, you can just put a stop to that.’
He continued, in spite of remonstrance, grinding through the broken slate into the earth. His face was hot and red. He put his elbow up, and wiped his brow on his sleeve.
’It is cursed warm here,’ he said at last.
’Then keep away from the fire. I’m glad you have come to see me, Charles; I always wish you well.’
’Oh, for the matter of that I only came here to be out of the way of Mrs. Veale.’
Then Honor laughed. ’Really, Charles, this is childish.’
’It is not kind of you to laugh,’ said he, sulkily; ’you do not know what it is to have your head turned, and to feel yourself pulled about and drawn along against your will. It is like "oranges and lemons," as we played at school, when you are on the weakest side.’
’Whither can Mrs. Veale draw you? Not to the altar rails, surely.’
’Oh no! not to the altar-rails. Mrs. Veale is a bad un.’
His manner puzzled Honor. She was convinced he was not telling her everything.
’What is it, Charles?’ she said; ’you may give me your confidence. Tell me all that troubles you. What is behind? I know you are keeping back something from me. If I can advise and help you, I will do so. I am your nearest sister.’ Then she put her arms round his neck and kissed him.
’Don’t do that’ said he, roughly. ’I hate scenes, sisterly affection and motherly counsel, and all that sort of batter-pudding without egg and sugar. I reckon I am outgrown that long ago. I have been a soldier and know the world. If you think to pin me to your apron, as you have pinned father, you are mightily mistaken. No; I will tell you no more, only this—don’t be surprised if I leave Langford. Ninepence a day is not enough to hold me.’
’Oh, Charles, I entreat you to stay. You have regular work there and regular pay. As for Mrs. Veale——’