"I thought I'd just come in and ask you how you are," said Cradell.
"I'm pretty well, thank you; and how are you?"
"Oh, I'm pretty well,—in health, that is. You see one has so many things to think of when one has a large family. Upon my word, Johnny, I think you've been lucky to keep out of it."
"I have kept out of it, at any rate; haven't I?"
"Of course; living with you as much as I used to do, I know the whole story of what has kept you single."
"Don't mind about that, Cradell; what is it you want?"
"I mustn't let you suppose, Johnny, that I'm grumbling about my lot. Nobody knows better than you what a trump I got in my wife."
"Of course you did;—an excellent woman."
"And if I cut you out a little there, I'm sure you never felt malice against me for that."
"Never for a moment, old fellow."