Then the Honourable John Ruffin said in a distinctly patient and long-suffering tone:
"Well, what is it you want me to do for you this time?"
"I don't want you to do anything for me!" said the duke sharply.
"Then what have you come for?" said the Honourable John Ruffin in the same distinctly patient and long-suffering tone.
The duke hesitated; then he said:
"Well, I want you to help me. I've got an idea."
The Honourable John Ruffin looked skeptical, indeed, and he said a little wearily:
"You have? What is it?"
The duke cleared his throat, assumed a portentous air, and said:
"I tell you I'm getting devilish sick of this business—living by myself, without any family, and that sort of thing. And I've come to the conclusion that it's time Caroline and I were reconciled—"