Bruce thought a little while, then he said—
'I'll take no notice of it this time. But if I have any more nonsense from Raggett, I shall ask for an explanation. I shall say to him, "My wife tells me that your tone, which I consider greatly wanting in deference to me, is meant as homage to her! What do you mean?" I shall say to Raggett, just like this, "What the—"'
Edith already regretted her candour. 'No, no; you mustn't bully poor
Raggett. Perhaps I was wrong. I daresay he wanted to amuse us both.'
'That is more likely,' said Bruce, relenting. 'But he's going the wrong way to work if he wishes to retain my good opinion of him. And so I shall tell him if he gives me any more of this sort of thing.'
'Instead of bothering about Raggett, I do wish you would answer your father's letter, Bruce.'
'Good gracious; surely I need not answer it at once!'
'I think you should.'
'Well, what does he say?'
Bruce had such a dislike to plain facts that he never, if he could avoid it, would read a letter to himself containing any business details.
Edith took out the letter.