Page:Anthony John (IA anthonyjohn00jero).pdf/61

 Mrs. Strong'nth'arm would much have liked to make a cutting answer and have swept out of the room. But correct behaviour once acquired becomes a second nature. So, instead, Mrs. Strong'nth'arm curtsied and apologised for her intrusion, and taking Anthony John by the hand, departed with bowed head.

In the street primeval instinct reasserted itself. She denounced the Misses Warmington as snobs. Not that it mattered. Anthony John should be a gentleman in spite of them. And when he had got on and was rich they would pass the Miss Warmingtons in the street and take no notice of them, just as though they were dirt. She hoped they would live long enough. And then suddenly her anger turned against Anthony John.

"What did you mean by saying 'No, thank you' when she asked you if you'd like to come?" she demanded. "I believe she'd have taken you if you'd said yes."

"I didn't want her to," explained Anthony. "She isn't clever. I'd rather learn from someone clever."

With improved financial outlook the Strong'nth'arms had entered the Church of England. When you were poor it didn't matter; nobody minded what religion you belonged to; church or chapel,