“There, that will do, mother,” said Tom, quietly. “Lookers-on see most of the game.”
“What do you mean, sir?” said her ladyship.
“Why this,” said Tom, savagely. “There, don’t faint; because if you do I shan’t stop and attend you.”
“If I only dared to face her like my son Tom,” said his lordship to himself; “damme, he’s as brave as a little lion, my son Tom.”
“Sir, your language is most disgraceful,” said her ladyship, haughtily.
“That’s what all people think when something is said that they don’t like. Now look here, mother; I don’t mean to stand by any more and see the old man bullied.”
“Bless him, I am proud of that boy,” thought his lordship. “Damme, he’s little, but he’s a man.”
“Diphoos!” cried her ladyship.
“I don’t say it was not stupid of the gov’nor to go and take that piece of tongue, and put it in the wrong pocket.”
“But, my dear boy, I—”