CHAPTER VI.
Father Stafford Keeps Vigil.
Dinner that evening at the Manor was not a very brilliant affair.
Stafford did not appear, pleading that it was a Friday, and a strict fast for him.

Kate was distinctly out of temper, and treated the company in general, and Eugene in particular, with frigidity.

Everybody felt that the situation was somewhat strained, and in consequence the pleasant flow of personal talk that marks parties of friends was dried up at its source.

The discussion of general topics was found to be a relief.
"The utter uselessness of such a class as Ayre represents," said Morewood emphatically, taking up a conversation that had started no one quite knew how, "must strike every sensible man." "At least they buy pictures," said Eugene.
"On the contrary, they now sell old masters, and empty the pockets of would-be buyers." "They are very ornamental," remarked Claudia.
"In some cases, undoubtedly," said Morewood.
"If you mean a titled class," said Ayre, "I quite agree.

I object to titles.