Read Online Parents and Children by Ivy Compton-Burnett - Free Book Online

Isabel.
    â€˜He does not feel well,’ said the latter.
    â€˜Doesn’t he?’ said Eleanor, with rather dubious sympathy, as if not quite sure of the authenticity of the condition. ‘The unwellness seems to come rather often. It is kind of Miss Mitford to let you be in here. Have you thanked her ?’
    â€˜No.’
    â€˜Then do it, my dear.’
    â€˜Thank you,’ said James, without loss of composure, having no objection to being treated as a child, indeed finding it his natural treatment.
    â€˜He is not much above the average, is he, Miss Mitford?’ said Eleanor, not entertaining the possibility of an absolutely ordinary child.
    â€˜No, I don’t think he is.’
    â€˜You think he is up to it at any rate?’
    â€˜Well, I did not say so. Perhaps it was you who did.’
    â€˜Do you think he would learn more with his sisters at home?’
    â€˜You mean with their governess, don’t you? Well, a good many boys would.’
    â€˜But I suppose we cannot arrange it?’
    â€˜No, you must be the slave of convention.’
    â€˜I suppose most boys are backward.’
    â€˜Well, some are forward.’
    â€˜You must make Miss Mitford think better of you, James.’
    â€˜I hope you do not think I take an ungenerous view,’ said Miss Mitford.
    â€˜Do you never alter your opinions?’ said Eleanor, with a faint sting in her tone.
    â€˜I seldom need to. My judgement is swift and strong,’ said Miss Mitford, with no loss of gravity.
    â€˜Could you not help James, Isabel?’
    â€˜Not as well as Miss Mitford.’
    â€˜Could you, Venice? You are nearer his age.’
    â€˜Is that a qualification?’ said Isabel.
    â€˜It would help her to see his point of view.’
    â€˜It might make her share it.’
    â€˜You think the girls are intelligent at any rate, Miss Mitford?’ said Eleanor, seeking to turn this readiness to account.
    â€˜It is a good sign that they think so.’
    â€˜Do you never praise anyone?’
    â€˜I am rather grudging in that way. It is a sort of shyness.’
    Venice gave a giggle.
    â€˜Are you not going to say a word to me, Venice?’ said Eleanor.
    â€˜Yes,’ said Venice, in a bright, conscious tone, turning wide eyes on her mother. ‘I was thinking about the sea. I should like to go next year.’
    â€˜And so you shall, my dear. I wish I had arranged it. I ought to have thought of a change for you. And I could have sent James with Hatton. It would have done him good. Don’t you think it would, Miss Mitford?’
    â€˜Yes.’
    â€˜But you did not suggest it.’
    â€˜No.’
    â€˜Miss Mitford knows that suggestions cost money,’ said Isabel.
    â€˜They cost nothing, my child. I am always pleased to have them. It is carrying them out that costs.’
    â€˜My suggestions are not any good, when they are not carried out,’ said Miss Mitford, in a faintly plaintive tone.
    â€˜Well, I hope you will make them another time. Good-bye, my dears; I will come up again and see you. James, do you forget again to open the door?’
    James could not deny it.
    â€˜Does he generally, Miss Mitford?’
    â€˜Yes.’
    â€˜Does he not open the door for you?’
    â€˜No.’
    â€˜You must remember you are not a baby, mustn’t you, James?’
    â€˜Yes,’ said James, who had little chance of thinking he was, as the family steadily combated the supposed conviction.
    â€˜Could you remember to tell him, Miss Mitford?’
    â€˜Well, my memory is no better than his.’
    â€˜Then the girls must remember. Will you think of it, my dears? Now, my boy, if you are to be at home today, you must have tea in the nursery and go early to bed. When we are not well, we must not behave quite like well people, must we?’
    â€˜No,’ said James, who had no great leaning towards the routine of the healthy, which he found a