The Golden Age

haracter and qualifications (albeit unconsciously) to our careful criticism. Earlier uncles had been wei

accompanying guffaws of laughter, appeared to be intended for jokes. Now, we were anxious that he should have a perfectly fair trial; so in the tool-house, between breakfast and lessons, we discussed and examined all his witticisms one by one, c

t considering whether in this fertile soil an apparently accidental remark on the solid qualities of guinea-pigs or ferrets might haply blossom and bring forth fruit, when our governess appeared on the scene. Uncle George's manner at once underwent a complete and contemptible change. His interest in rational topics seemed, 'l

bred viciousness of temper and disposition? True, she knew the dates of the English kings by heart; but how could that profit Uncle George, who, having passed into the army, had ascended beyond the need of useful information? Our bows and arrows, on the other hand, had been freely placed at his disposal; and a soldier should not have hesitated in his choice a moment. No: Uncle George had fallen from grace, and was[32] unanim

rtiness, 'Well, h'are y'all?' he said, 'Glad to see me, eh?' As we could hardly, in justice, be expected to have formed an opinion on him at that early stage, we could but look at each other in silence; which scarce served to relieve the tension of the situation. Indeed, the cloud never[33] really lifted during his stay. In talking things over later, s

oundly declared him a beast, pointing out that he had not even got us a half-holiday; and, indeed, there seemed little to do but to pass sentence. We were about to put it to the vote, when Harold appeared on the scene; his red face, round eyes, and mysterious demeanour, hinting at awful portents. Sp

would be of interest; but he didn't seem to pay much attention, but walked along puffing his cigar, and once I thought-I'm not certain, but I thought-I heard him say, "Well, thank God, that's over!" When we got to the station he stopped suddenly, and said, "Hold o

3

uch good men anywhere in the world. I hope he'll die to-night, for then he'll go straight to heaven!' But the repentant Selina bewa

lways did-to the situation: 'We'll christen the piebald pig after him-the o

it after the curate. I'm very sorry-but he came and bowled to me last night, af

en't all there. We'll take that christening off, and call it Uncle

out a division, the House went into