"Oh! first rate health—he's a strong man for his age, Mr. Hinchford. Don't you think so?"
"Perhaps he is. You can't expect him like myself, eight years younger than he."
"Well, no," said the nephew, drily.
"He ought not to worry himself about business at his age—why, I have given it up myself," he added.
"Oh! indeed!"
Business had given him up; but the old man did not think of it that moment. He was anxious to show the Hinchfords in the best light possible, lest Sid should be looked down upon too much when he came to his new berth.
"And your father must feel the cares of business a little?"
"Not a bit," said Maurice; "he wouldn't be happy out of the bank! He's strong and well, thank God, and one of the best-hearted men and fathers in the world. Too good a father, by half, for that matter!"
"How's that?"
"Oh! it's difficult to explain," was the answer of the nephew, whose cheeks flushed a little at the question; "you'll excuse me now, uncle. Through here and straight across the office—good day."