"Perhaps he hadn't the chance," said Mr. Jupp, stretching out his hand towards the tumbler.
"Mr. Jupp," said his wife, "what cause have you to say that? Was you ever kept waiting for the money for the meal or malt account? Is the rent paid regular for the bit of pastureland for Miss Annette's cow? Well, then, reck'lect where you are, if you please, and who you're speaking of."
"Well, but if he hates the place and cusses--I mean, does what Jupp said he did just now--what does he stop here for? Why don't he go away? He must have some reason."
"Of course he has, Mr. Hallibut," said Mrs. Jupp, with an air of dignity.
"Got the name all right this time, Mrs. Jupp; here's your health," said the jolly man, sipping his tumbler. "Well, what's the reason?"
"It's because of Miss Annette--she that we was speaking of just now."
"Oh, ah!" said Mr. Hallibut; "she's his daughter, isn't she?"
"Niece," said Mrs. Jupp.
"Oh!" said Mr. Hallibut doubtfully.
"You and I have seen the world, Hallibut," broke in Mr. Jupp, who had been paying his attentions to the French brandy. "We've heard of nieces before--priests' nieces and such-like, who----"