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looked a little uneasy.
‘I thought I’d come and see you about my leaving. I want
to know what you mean by promising me one thing when I
was here, and doing something different a week after.’
He was a little frightened at his own boldness, but he had
made up his mind exactly what words to use, and, though
his heart beat violently, he forced himself to say them.
‘Have you got leave to come here this afternoon?’
‘No. I asked Perkins and he refused. If you like to write
and tell him I’ve been here you can get me into a really fine
old row.’
Mrs. Carey sat knitting with trembling hands. She was
unused to scenes and they agitated her extremely.
‘It would serve you right if I told him,’ said Mr. Carey.
‘If you like to be a perfect sneak you can. After writing to
Perkins as you did you’re quite capable of it.’
It was foolish of Philip to say that, because it gave the
Vicar exactly the opportunity he wanted.
‘I’m not going to sit still while you say impertinent things
to me,’ he said with dignity.
He got up and walked quickly out of the room into his
study. Philip heard him shut the door and lock it.
‘Oh, I wish to God I were twenty-one. It is awful to be
tied down like this.’
Aunt Louisa began to cry quietly.
‘Oh, Philip, you oughtn’t to have spoken to your uncle
like that. Do please go and tell him you’re sorry.’
‘I’m not in the least sorry. He’s taking a mean advantage.
Of course it’s just waste of money keeping me on at school,

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