The sudden assumption of gravity in this speech seemed to disconcert him so much that he made no answer, but strolled along at her side, thoughtful and silent.
“What are you thinking of?” said she, at last.
“I was just thinking,” said he, “that by the time I have reached my quarters, and begin to con over what I have accomplished by this same visit of mine, I 'll be not a little puzzled to say what it is.”
“Perhaps I can help you. First of all, tell me what was your object in coming.”
“Chiefly to talk about Tom.”
“Well, we have done so. We have discussed the matter, and are fully agreed it is better he should not go to India, but stay at home here and follow his profession, like his father.”
“But have I said nothing about Hunter's offer?”
“Not a word; what is it?”
“How stupid of me; what could I have been thinking of all this time?”
“Heaven knows; but what was the offer you allude to?”