have been
so great a hindrance in life to both you and me, and made you, my poor
boy, so utterly mistaken as to what becomes your position. How much have
you thrown away?'

Herbert looked up and muttered the amount--twelve pounds and some
shillings.

'Very well, I will not have it owed. I shall pay it, deducting two
pounds from your allowance each term till it is made up. Give me the
address or addresses.'

At this Herbert writhed and remonstrated, but his uncle was inexorable.

'The fellows will be at me,' he said, as he gave Stanhope's name.

'You will see no more of Stanhope after this week. I have arranged to
send you to a tutor in Hertfordshire, who I hope will make you work, and
where, I trust, you will find companions who will give you a better idea
of what becomes a gentleman.'

In point of fact, this had been arranged for some time past, though by
the desire of Herbert's present tutor it had not been made known to the
young people, so that, coming thus, there was a sound of punishment in it
to Herbert.

The interview ended there. The annoyance, enhanced in his mind by having
come on a Sunday, brought on another attack of headache; but late in the
evening he sent for Herbert, who always had to go very early on the
Monday. It was to ask him whether he would not prefer the payment being
made to Stanhope and the other pupil after he had left them. Herbert's
scowl passed off. It was a great relief. He said they were prepared to
wait till he had his allowance, and the act of consideration softened
him, as did also the manifest look of suffering and illness, as his uncle
lay on the couch, hardly able to speak, and yet exerting himself thus to
spare the lad.

'Thank you, sir,' actually Herbert said, and then, with a gulp, 'I am
sorry about that bird--I wish I'd never told them, but it was Stanhope
who drove me to it, not believing.'

'I thought it was not your better mind,' said his uncle, holding out his
hand. 'I should like you to make me a promise, Herbert, not to make a
bet while I am away. I should go with an easier mind.'

'I will, uncle,' said Herbert, heartily reflecting, perhaps, it must be
owned, on the fewer opportunities in that line at Westhaven, except at
the regatta, but really resolving, as the only salve to his conscience.
And there was that in his face and the clasp of his hand that gave his
uncle a sense of comfort and hope.

CHAPTER XVII
ON THE SURFACE

Lady Adel