"And very gay and proud I'm sure," said Robert. "And I'll send you a bit of good foreign fruit from Exeter, mother, to cheer you up."
"Don't you waste your money, Bob."
"You know Owley's mine, now, mother?" asked Avis.
"I do, and very good news; and I hope you thanked your father for it. Very few young people get such a fine start in life. A very good father to you, my dear."
Avis did not answer, but Robert felt constrained to do so.
"So I tell her, and I hope Mr. Bullstone won't never have cause to be sorry. God willing, he never shall."
"That's right, Bob. Avis have got you to thank also."
"And John Henry feels that, if I have Owley, he ought to have Bullstone," added Avis.
"All in good time I expect. Father will do fair and right by every one."
They talked a little longer, then Mrs. Huxam appeared.