'Have it your won way,' said Charles, throwing his head back; 'they
must be little souls, indeed that stick at such trash.'

Guy's brows were contracted with vexation, but Laura looked up very
prettily, saying--

'Never mind him. We must all honour you for doing such an unpleasant
thing.'

'You will recommend him favourably to Philip,' growled Charles.

There was no reply, and presently Guy asked whether he would go up to
dress? Having no other way of showing his displeasure, he refused, and
remained nursing his ill-humour, till he forgot how slight the offence
had been, and worked himself into a sort of insane desire--half
mischievous, half revengeful--to be as provoking as he could in his
turn.

Seldom had he been more contrary, as his old nurse was wont to call it.
No one could please him, and Guy was not allowed to do anything for
him. Whatever he said was intended to rub on some sore place in Guy's
mind. His mother and Laura's signs made him worse, for he had the
pleasure of teasing them, also; but Guy endured it all with perfect
temper, and he grew more cross at his failure; yet, from force of
habit, at bed-time, he found himself on the stairs with Guy's arm
supporting him.

'Good night,' said Charles; 'I tried hard to poke up the lion to-night,
but I see it won't do.'