"Good evening Pater." Said Harold as he came into the house.
"Why are you so cheerful?" Snarled his father.
"Can a man not be cheerful when he returns home after a weary day toiling?"
"You've been drinking haven't you? Spending money we don't have you selfish little worm." Harold bent down to his father.
"Smell my breath you miserable little man, I have not been drinking. I am cheerful because I have had a good day. Something very pleasant has happened and it has brought a little pleasure into my mundane existence."
"You must have pulled then, only a bird could make you this cheerful. Met some tart have you?"
"Actually father, today I was appreciated. Something that happens rarely to me. I was invited to give a talk to a class of children who are learning about trades which are disappearing in the modern world."
"You wasted time talking to a bunch of brats when you should have been working? You idle……" He stopped as Harold turned and glared at him.
"I considered it an honour father. The children were very polite and they were interested in what I had to say. They asked lots of questions and made a fuss of the horse. I felt more welcome there in that hour than I do here. I am glad I did it and do not consider it to be a waste of my time. I am now going to get washed and changed; when I come down I want my tea on the table." Albert pulled a face at Harold's retreating back then went into the kitchen.
Things were strained between father and son for some days after that. Albert tried to make peace with Harold but his son refused to speak to him, ignoring him whenever he could. This was hardly a rare occurrence, but it lasted longer than usual. Albert began to wonder what he could do to make things up to his son and improve the atmosphere in the house.
