“Needn’t tell me, guv’nor; I think I know a thing or two about tin.”
“Now, suppose we leave slang out of the matter and talk sensibly, sir, about a very important matter.”
“Go on ahead then, dad; I’m listening.”
“Sit down then, Claud.”
“Rather stand, guv’nor; stand and grow good, ma.”
“Yes, my dear, do then,” said Mrs Wilton, smiling at her son fondly. “But listen now to what papa says; it really is very important.”
“All right, mother; but cut it short, father, my horse is waiting and I don’t want him to take cold.”
“Of course not, my boy; always take care of your horse. I will be very brief and to the point, then. Look here, Claud, your cousin, Katherine—”
“Oh! Ah, yes; I heard she was ill. What does the Doctor say?”
“Never mind what the Doctor says. It is merely a fit of depression and low spirits. Now this is a serious matter. I did drop hints to you before. I must be plain now about my ideas respecting your future. You understand?”