May one discreetly express the hope that they were very happy years?
Colonel.
Very happy years, with, however, I must admit, intermittent troubles. Mabel’s mother was one of the best women in the world, but, if I may say so without disloyalty, she was just a little—a little—er—give me a word.
Parbury.
Would the word exigeant apply?
Colonel.
Admirably. Perhaps you have noticed in Mabel the slightest tendency? Eh?
Parbury.
Well, well!
Colonel.