But he is busy with his paper; and nothing comes of their movement.
OCTAVIUS. [recovering himself] Does she give any reason?
TANNER.
Reason!
An insult is not a reason.
Ann forbids her to be alone with me on any occasion.
Says I am not a fit person for a young girl to be with.
What do you think of your paragon now?
OCTAVIUS.
You must remember that she has a very heavy responsibility now that her father is dead.
Mrs Whitefield is too weak to control Rhoda.
TANNER. [staring at him] In short, you agree with Ann.
OCTAVIUS.
No; but I think I understand her.
You must admit that your views are hardly suited for the formation of a young girl's mind and character.
TANNER.
I admit nothing of the sort.
I admit that the formation of a young lady's mind and character usually consists in telling her lies; but I object to the particular lie that I am in the habit of abusing the confidence of girls.
OCTAVIUS.
Ann doesn't say that, Jack.
TANNER.
What else does she mean?
STRAKER. [catching sight of Ann coming from the house] Miss Whitefield, gentlemen. [He dismounts and strolls away down the avenue with the air of a man who knows he is no longer wanted].
ANN. [coming between Octavius and Tanner].
Good morning, Jack.
I have come to tell you that poor Rhoda has got one of her headaches and cannot go out with you to-day in the car.
It is a cruel disappointment to her, poor child!
TANNER.
What do you say now, Tavy.
OCTAVIUS.
Surely you cannot misunderstand, Jack.
Ann is showing you the kindest consideration, even at the cost of deceiving you.
ANN.
What do you mean?
TANNER.
Would you like to cure Rhoda's headache, Ann?
ANN.
Of course.
TANNER.
Then tell her what you said just now; and add that you arrived about two minutes after I had received her letter and read it.
ANN.
Rhoda has written to you!
TANNER.
With full particulars.
OCTAVIUS.
Never mind him, Ann.
You were right, quite right.
Ann was only doing her duty, Jack; and you know it.
Doing it in the kindest way, too.
ANN. [going to Octavius] How kind you are, Tavy!