CHAPTER XVI 

Felix (nothing if not modern) had succumbed already to the feeling that youth ruled the roost. Whatever his misgivings, his and Flora's sense of loss, Nedda must be given a free hand! Derek gave no outward show of his condition, and but for his little daughter's happy serenity Felix would have thought as she had thought that first night. He had a feeling that his nephew rather despised one so soaked in mildness and reputation as Felix Freeland; and he got on better with Sheila, not because she was milder, but because she was devoid of that scornful tang which clung about her brother. No! Sheila was not mild. Rich-colored, downright of speech, with her mane of short hair, she was a no less startling companion. The smile of Felix had never been more whimsically employed than during that ten-day visit. The evening John Freeland came to dinner was the highwater mark of his alarmed amusement. Mr. Cuthcott, also bidden, at Nedda's instigation, seemed to take a mischievous delight in drawing out those two young people in face of their official uncle. The pleasure of the dinner to Felix--and it was not too great--was in watching Nedda's face. She hardly spoke, but how she listened! Nor did Derek say much, but what he did say had a queer, sarcastic twinge about it. 

"An unpleasant young man," was John's comment afterward. "How the deuce did he ever come to be Tod's son? Sheila, of course, is one of these hot-headed young women that make themselves a nuisance nowadays, but she's intelligible. By the way, that fellow Cuthcott's a queer chap!"  QUESTIONS:

Q1:
1. Was Derek's condition visible?
2. Did Derek make his problem outwardly known?
3. 
Q2:
1. What did John have to say in the aftermath?
2. What was John's remark later on?
3. 
Q3:
1. Who did Felix have a better rapport with?
2. Who was it easier for Felix to get along with?
3. 
Q4:
1. Why did Felix get along better with Sheila?
2. What was the reason for Felix's superior rapport with Sheila?
3. 
Q5:
1. What was the source of Felix's happiness during dinner?
2. What had Felix in a good mood at dinner?
3. 
Q6:
1. Did Nedda talk a lot?
2. Did Nedda have much to say?
3. 
Q7:
1. What did Nedda do?
2. How did Nedda act?
3. 
Q8:
1. What description did John give of Sheila?
2. What did John say that Sheila was like?
3. 
Q9:
1. How did John describe Cuthcott?
2. What description did John give of Cuthcott?
3. 
Q10:
1. Did John believe Sheila to be unintelligent?
2. Did John think Sheila was an idiot?
3. 
Q11:
1. How did Felix smile during the visit?
2. What was the nature of Felix's smile during the trip?
3. 
