They lived in the quietest way; for the heir of the house, by a former marriage, was a bad subject, and kept them drained of more than the superfluous money about the place.
Cosmo remained with them two years, and during that time did not go home, for so there was the more money to send; but as he entered his third year, he began to feel life growing heavy upon him, and longed unspeakably after his father.
One day, the last of the first quarter, Mr.Baird sent a message, desiring his presence, and with some hesitation and difficulty informed him that, because of certain circumstances over which unhappily he had no control, he was compelled to dispense with his services.

He regretted the necessity much, he said, for the children were doing well with him.

He would always be glad to hear from him, and know that he was getting on.

A little indignant, for his father's sake more than his own, Cosmo remarked that it was customary, he believed, to give a tutor a quarter's notice, which brought the reply, that nothing would please Mr.Baird better than that he should remain another quarter--if it was any convenience to him; but he had had great misfortunes within the last month, and had no choice but beg him to excuse some delay in the payment of his quarter's salary now due.

In these circumstances he had thought it the kindest thing to let him look out for another situation.
Hearing this, Cosmo was sorry, and said what he could to make the trouble, so far as he was concerned, weigh lightly.