CHAPTER 5.
When they assembled at table, Mr.Lord had recovered his moderate cheerfulness.

Essentially, he was anything but ill-tempered; Horace and Nancy were far from regarding him with that resentful bitterness which is produced in the victims of a really harsh parent.

Ten years ago, as they well remembered, anger was a rare thing in his behaviour to them, and kindness the rule.

Affectionate he had never shown himself; reserve and austerity had always distinguished him.

Even now-a-days, it was generally safe to anticipate mildness from him at the evening meal.