"No, sir, I did not. Do you mean my uncle?"
"I mean him. He came to me, as you know, and asked me for a sum of money to send abroad to my son."
"Indeed, indeed, sir, I did not know it."
"Which, doubtless," continued Mr. Manners, ignoring the contradiction, "he would have pocketed, with the satisfactory thought that he had got something out of me."
"You do my uncle great injustice, sir. He is noble and generous, and I honor him with my whole heart."
"Yes, yes," said Mr. Manners, and there was a deeper sternness in his voice, "it is among the class to which you and he belong, and into which you have dragged my son, that honor and nobility are to be found. I have had experience of it. Once more, finish your errand."
"I have nothing more to say, sir. I fear to anger you."
"Your real purpose in seeking me was to beg for money."
"Indeed not, sir. I had no such purpose."
"And would not accept it if I offered it?"