"I must own that I believe my ancestors to have been a set of bloody-minded thieves," he remarked with candour.
"They’re but little changed now," observed his mother, from her seat by the fire.
"Thanks, Ma, don’t lose a chance," he flung back negligently, going to the rack to choose cues.
He found that Olwen had somewhat underrated her own skill. He gave her a big handicap, and she actually beat him. Mrs. Guyse, who at first sat languidly reading the paper, presently sat up, and at last even left her place to watch them. They all three became quite animated, and when Madam suddenly recollected herself and said she was going to bed at once, it was more than half-past ten.
Olwen, though the game was not finished, put away her own cue, and began to collect the lady’s workbag and cushions.
"Oh, stay and finish your game! Don’t let Ninian be able to say that I took you off before the end," said the hostess pettishly.
"But please I am very tired," said Olwen, "I am quite ready to say good night."
She said it with so much firmness that Ninian, who had flung down his cue and marched upon her with the evident intention of sharp protest, said not a single word, but allowed them both to disappear, through the narrow door, with a candle to guide the steps of Madam on the dark stairs.
When they reached the lady’s own quarters, the girl followed her into the sitting-room, and, setting down the candle, asked modestly for a few directions.
"I’m very anxious, of course, to do exactly as you wish," said she. "At what hour is breakfast, and should you expect me to make the tea or coffee?"
Madam stood irresolutely by the table, twisting her hands together as if worried almost beyond endurance. Her face was set in obstinate lines. "To come down to breakfast I absolutely decline," said she in a desperate voice. "I haven’t done such a thing for years, and it can’t be expected of me."
Olwen was so astonished that she stood with her mouth open.
"I suppose you have no objection to breakfasting with my son? You seem to be extremely particular," said Madam after a pause.
"I am here to carry out your orders," was the girl’s reply. "I shall do as you wish, of course. At what hour does Mr. Guyse breakfast?"