I believe he does
such things to all, but his sisters would let him torture them rather
than complain, whereas Dolores does her best to bring them under my
notice without actually laying an information, which she is evidently
afraid to do. It is very unlucky that her coming should have been just
when we had such an element about--for it really gives her some just
cause of complaint.'
'But you say he is impartial?'
'Teasing is unfortunately his delight. He will even frighten Primrose,
but I am afraid there is active dislike making Dolores his favourite
victim; and then Val and Fergus, who don't tease actively on their own
account, have come to enjoy her discomfiture.'
"And you go on the principle of 'tolerer beaucoup?'"
'I do; hoping that it is not laziness and weakness that makes me
abstain from nagging about what is not brought before my eyes by the
children or the police--I mean Gill, Halfpenny, and Miss Vincent. Then
I scold, or I punish, and that I think maintains the principle, without
danger to truth or forbearance. At least, I hope it does. I am pretty
sure that if I punished Wilfred for every teasing trick I know, or
guess at, he would--in his present mood--only become deceitful, and
esprit de corps might make Val and Fergus the same, though I don't
think Mysie's truth could be shaken any more than honest Phyl's.'
'Besides, mutual discipline is not a thing to upset. Lily, I revere
you! I never thought you were going to turn out such a sensible
mother.
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