"Well, that's an honest way of spending time!" he said. "My word,
how I dangle about here; it isn't good for my health. But, by
George, I wish I could shoot like you, Mr. Kennedy, Sir."

"Why this sudden obsequiousness?" said Howard.

"Oh, because I never know what to call you," said Jack. "I can't
call you by your Christian name, and Mr. Kennedy seems absurd. What
do you like?"

"Whatever comes naturally," said Howard.

"Well, I'll call you Howard when we are together," said Jack. "But
mind, not at Beaufort! If I call you anything, it will have to be
Mr. Kennedy. I hate men fraternising with the Dons. The Dons rather
encourage it, because it makes them feel youthful and bucks them
up. The men are just as bad about Christian names. Gratters on
getting your Christian name, you know! It's like a girls' school. I
wonder why Cambridge is more like a girls' school than a public
school is? I suppose they are more sentimental. I do loathe that."

When they got back they found Maud at tea; she had been there all
the afternoon; she greeted Howard very pleasantly, but there was a
touch of embarrassment created by the presence of Jack, who
regarded her severely and called her "Miss."

"He's got some grudge against me," said Maud to Howard. "He always
has when he calls me Miss."