SIR W.: And yet I believe that with a little tact, a little gentleness,
you would be able to manage Kitty, just as I have managed your aunt all
these long years. There is no doubting the dear girl's affection for
you. Remember her joy when her mother's scruples as to the length of
your engagement were overcome.
JEM: That's true enough. Kitty was very fond of me three months ago. But
it isn't only fondness I require of a wife. She must be bored when I'm
bored, and keen when I'm keen, and that sort of thing, you know.
SIR W.: Yes! I see. In fact, lose her identity, as your dear good aunt
has lost hers!
JEM (_aside_): Or, rather, as you have lost yours!
SIR W.: Well, I'll try and view things in your light, my good fellow. At
the same time, you must have great patience--very great patience, Jem,
and then all may come right in the end. It _is_ true I never needed
patience with your aunt. But had there been the necessity, I should have
been equal to the demand. Now, I daresay your little quarrels have been
but short lived; and that after having caused Kitty any vexation, you
have always been ready to come forward with kind words to make up your
differences?
JEM: Yes, ready! But not _too_ ready, as I feared too much indulgence
might not be advisable. Now, one morning, after having been out early, I
determined to give up fishing for the rest of the day to please Kitty.
On my way home--remember, it was before eight o'clock--I met her
betaking herself to what she calls "matins." Now, I like a girl to be
good and strict, and all that sort of thing. But imagine going to church
at eight o'clock on a Monday morning!
SIR W.: A slight error in judgment; you might easily forgive the dear
child.
JEM: I didn't find it easy. I said so. And Kitty refused her breakfast
in consequence--only to aggravate me.
SIR W.: No! No! Perhaps she fasted only to soften your heart!
JEM: Far from it. In fact, to sum up the whole matter, we have no common
sympathies. Kitty has not even any ambition, for instance, as to my
future. You know I wish to stand for Portborough one day?