I thought it was impertinent--at least I wanted
to, but-- And now he'll always think me--nasty!'
'My dear, if one must have a lesson of that kind, it is as well it
should be from some one that one is never likely to see or hear of
again.'
'Oh! but not from the very best and noblest of people one ever will
hear of. Yes, Ethel, I'm not gone mad! That boy has been telling me
all about his brother; and indeed I never did hear or know about any
one who was a real hero in a quiet way! No, whenever I hear of a
hero, I shall think of Mr. Underwood. And, oh dear, that I should
have made such a goose of myself!'
It was quite unaffected--a spark of real reverence had lighted at
last on Gertrude's mind. 'To turn tradesman for the sake of one's
brothers and sisters, that I do call heroic!' she said; and
maintained his cause, even to putting down F. U. as her 'favourite
hero' in lists of likes and dislikes.
But there was no great chance of Gertrude again encountering her
hero, for the morning after their day at Stoneborough Lance was
beginning to experiment on his powers by skimming newspapers,
especially the Pursuivant, because he knew it before, all but the
last local items, that could only be added at the moment of going to
press.
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