PART THREE DECEMBER 24TH
Do you really want me to stay on here, Father?” asked Harry. He tilted his head back. “I’m
stirring up rather a hornet’s nest, you know.
What do you mean?” asked Simeon sharply.
Brother Alfred,” said Harry. “Good brother Alfred! He, if I may say so, resents my presence
here.
The devil he does!” snapped Simeon. “I’m master in this house.
All the same, sir, I expect you’re pretty dependent on Alfred. I don’t want to upset
You’ll do as I tell you,” snapped his father.
Harry yawned.
Don’t know that I shall be able to stick a stay-at-home life. Pretty stifling to a fellow who’s
knocked about the world.
His father said: “You’d better marry and settle down.
Harry said: “Who shall I marry? Pity one can’t marry one’s niece. Young Pilar is devilish
attractive.
You’ve noticed that
Talking of settling down, fat George has done well for himself as far as looks go. Who was
she
Simeon shrugged his shoulders.
How should I know? George picked her up at a mannequin parade, I believe. She says her
father was a retired naval officer.
Harry said
Probably a second mate of a coasting steamer. George will have a bit of trouble with her if
he’s not careful.
George,” said Simeon Lee, “is a fool.
Harry said: “What did she marry him for—his money
Simeon shrugged his shoulders.
Harry said: “Well, you think that you can square Alfred all right
We’ll soon settle that,” said Simeon grimly.
He touched a bell that stood on a table near him.
Horbury appeared promptly. Simeon said
Ask Mr. Alfred to come here.
Horbury went out and Harry drawled
That fellow listens at doors
Simeon shrugged his shoulders.
Probably.
Alfred hurried in. His face twitched when he saw his brother. Ignoring Harry, he said
pointedly
You wanted me, Father
Yes, sit down. I was just thinking we must reorganize things a bit now that we have two
more people living in the house.
Two
Pilar will make her home here, naturally. And Harry is home for good.
Alfred said: “Harry is coming to live here
Why not, old boy?” said Harry.
Alfred turned sharply to him.
I should think that you yourself would see that
Well, sorry—but I don’t.
After everything that has happened? The disgraceful way you behaved. The scandal
Harry waved an easy hand.
All that’s in the past, old boy.
You behaved abominably to Father, after all he’s done for you.
Look here, Alfred, it strikes me that’s Father’s business, not yours. If he’s willing to forgive
and forget
I’m willing,” said Simeon. “Harry’s my son, after all, you know, Alfred.
Yes, but—I resent it—for Father’s sake.
Simeon said: “Harry’s coming here! I wish it.” He laid a hand gently on the latter’s shoulder.
I’m very fond of Harry.
Alfred got up and left the room. His face was white. Harry rose too and went after him
laughing.
Simeon sat chuckling to himself. Then he started and looked round. “Who the devil’s that
Oh, it’s you, Horbury. Don’t creep about that way.
I beg your pardon, sir.
Never mind. Listen, I’ve got some orders for you. I want everybody to come up here after
lunch—everybody.
Yes, sir.
There’s something else. When they come, you come with them. And when you get halfway
along the passage raise your voice so that I can hear. Any pretext will do. Understand
Yes, sir.
Horbury went downstairs. He said to Tressilian
If you ask me, we are going to have a Merry Christmas.
Tressilian said sharply: “What d’you mean
You wait and see, Mr. Tressilian. It’s Christmas Eve today, and a nice Christmas spirit
abroad—I don’t think
