The Pillars of the House, V1 eBook

Thomas Underwood was more ‘put out,’ than the management of such an insignificant sum seemed to warrant.  He was no doubt disappointed of his cousin’s confidence, as well as of some liberal (if domineering) intentions; and he was only half appeased when Edgar pointed to the date, and showed that the arrangement had been made before the renewal of intercourse.  ’It was hardly fair to thrust a charge upon a stranger when there was a relation to act.  Poor Edward, he ought to have trusted,’ he said.  There was genuine kindness of heart in the desire to confer benefits, though perhaps in rather an overbearing spirit, as well as disappointment and hurt feeling that his cousin had acquiesced in his neglect without an appeal.  However, after asking whether Mr. Audley meant to act, and hearing of his decided intention of doing so, he proceeded to state his own plans for them.  The present state of things could not continue, and he proposed that Wilmet and Geraldine should go as half boarders to some school, to be prepared for governesses.  Felix—­could he write shorthand?  ’Oh yes; but—­’ Then he knew of a capital opening for him, a few years, and he would be on the way to prosperity:  the little ones might be boarded with their old nurse till fit for some clergy orphan schools; if the means would not provide for all, there need be no difficulty made on that score.

Mr. Audley saw Felix’s start of dismay and glance at him, but knowing as he did that the lad was always more himself when not interfered with, and allowed to act for himself, he only said, ’It is very kind in you, sir, but I think Felix should be consulted.’

‘It is impossible!’ began Felix hastily.

’Impossible!  It is quite impossible, I would have you to understand, that a lot of children like you should keep house together, and on such an income as that.  Quite preposterous.’

‘As for that,’ said Felix, still unsubmissively, ’it is only what we have been doing, except for the name of the thing, for the last three years on the same means.’

’You don’t mean to tell me that you have kept things going on such means without a debt?’

‘Of course we have!  We never let a bill run,’ said Felix, slightly indignant.

’Now mind, I’m not insulting you, Felix, but I know what the women are and what they tell us.  Are you sure of that?  No debts—­honour bright?’

‘None at all!’ said Felix, with an endeavour at calmness, but glowing hotly.  ’I help my sister make up her books every Saturday night.  We always pay ready money.’

‘Humph,’ said Mr. Underwood, still only half convinced.  ’Living must be cheap at Bexley.’

‘You had better explain a little, Felix,’ said Mr. Audley.

Felix did bring himself to say, ’I am sub-editor now, and get 100 pounds a year, besides being paid for any article I write.  Wilmet has 25 pounds a year and her dinner, and Angela’s at school, so there are only five of us constantly dining at home, and with Mr. Audley’s two guineas a week we can do very well.’