Lady Verner would tell Jan he was undutiful.

Jan tried to be as dutiful to her as ever he could; but he _could not_ change his ungainly person, his awkward manner.

As well try to wash a negro white.
Lady Verner had proposed that Jan should go into the army, Jan (plain spoken as a boy, as he was still) had responded that he'd rather not go out to be shot at.

What _was_ she to do with him?
Lady Verner peevishly asked.

She had no money, she lamented, and she would take care Jan was not helped by Mr.Verner.To make him a barrister, or a clergyman, or a Member of Parliament (it was what Lady Verner said), would cost vast sums of money; a commission could be obtained for him gratis, in consideration of his father's services.
"Make me an apothecary," said Jan.
"An apothecary!" echoed Lady Verner, aghast.