Mr.
Fentolin, however, stretched out his hand and motioned him to resume his seat.
"My dear Gerald!" he exclaimed reprovingly.

"You would leave us so abruptly?
Before your sister, too! What will Mr.Hamel think of our country ways?
Pray resume your seat." For a moment the boy stood quite still, then he slowly subsided into his chair.

Mr.Fentolin passed around a decanter of wine which had been placed upon the table by the butler.

The servants had now left the room.
"You must excuse my nephew, if you please, Mr.Hamel," he begged.
"Gerald has a boy's curious aversion to praise in any form.

I am looking forward to hearing your verdict upon my port.