Gilbert had never had
much of the schoolboy manner, and he was adopting a gentle, pathetic
tone, at which Albinia was apt to laugh, but in her absence was often
verged upon tendresse, especially with Genevieve. She, however, by
her perfect simplicity and lively banter, always nipped the bud of
his sentiment, she had known him from a child, and never lost the
sense of being his elder, treating him somewhat as a boy to be played
with. Perfectly aware of her own position, her demeanour, frank and
gracious as it was, had something in it which kept in check other
Bayford youths less gentlemanlike than Gilbert Kendal. If she never
forgot that she was dancing-master's daughter, she never let any one
else forget that she was a lady.
When the building began, Gilbert had a wholesome occupation, saving
his father some trouble and--not quite so much expense by overlooking
the workmen. Mr. Kendal was glad to be spared giving orders and
speaking to people, and would always rather be overcharged than be at
the pains of bargaining or inquiring. 'It was Gilbert's own house,'
he said, 'and it was good for the boy to take an interest in it, and
not to be too much interfered with.' So the bay window and the
conservatory were some degrees grander than Mr. Ferrars had proposed
but all was excused by the pleasure and experience they afforded
Gilbert, and it was very droll to see Maurice following him about
after the workmen, watching them most knowingly, and deep in mischief
at every opportunity.
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