‘I think, when I gather my recollections of the matter—I think she was first cousin to your mother—perhaps it was only second cousin.’
‘Why shouldn’t she have told me so, then?’
‘She must explain that herself. I cannot account for that. It is very extraordinary.’
‘But how do you know so well about me, sir—if you don’t mind saying?’
‘Oh! I am an old friend of the family. I knew your father better than your uncle, though. Your uncle is not over-friendly, you see.’
‘I am sorry for that.’
‘No occasion at all. I suppose he doesn’t like me. I fancy, being a Methodist—’
‘My uncle is not a Methodist, I assure you. He goes to the parish church regularly.’
‘Oh! it’s all one. I only meant to say that, being a man of somewhat peculiar notions, I supposed he did not approve of my profession. Your good people are just as ready as others, however, to call in the lawyer when they fancy their rights invaded. Ha! ha! But no one has a right to complain of another because he doesn’t choose to like him. Besides, it brings grist to the mill. If everybody liked everybody, what would become of the lawsuits? And that would unsuit us—wouldn’t it, Clara?’
‘You know, papa dear, what mamma would say?’