arm with her sunshade. "When you were twenty your father did not, I
presume, object to your learning chemistry or playing a musical
instrument. You would have thought it tyranny if he had."

"But there is such a sudden change in them both."

"Yes, I have noticed that they have been very enthusiastic lately in the
cause of liberty. Of all my disciples I think that they promise to be
the most devoted and consistent, which is the more natural since their
father is one of our most trusted champions."

The Doctor gave a twitch of impatience. "I seem to have lost all
authority," he cried.

"No, no, my dear friend. They are a little exuberant at having broken
the trammels of custom. That is all."

"You cannot think what I have had to put up with, madam. It has been a
dreadful experience. Last night, after I had extinguished the candle in
my bedroom, I placed my foot upon something smooth and hard, which
scuttled from under me. Imagine my horror! I lit the gas, and came
upon a well-grown tortoise which Clara has thought fit to introduce into
the house. I call it a filthy custom to have such pets."

Mrs. Westmacott dropped him a little courtesy. "Thank you, sir," said
she. "That is a nice little side hit at my poor Eliza."

"I give you my word that I had forgotten about her," cried the Doctor,
flushing. "One such pet may no doubt be endured, but two are more than
I can bear. Ida has a monkey which lives on the curtain rod. It is a