“That’s right, that’s right,” said Mr Vine, laying one of his long thin white hands on the young man’s arm; and then changing its position, so that he could take hold of one of the buttons on his breast. Then turning quickly: “Madelaine’s coming, of course.”
“Louie says so,” said the girl quietly.
“To be sure; that’s right, my dear; that’s right,” said the old man, beaming upon her as he took one of her hands to hold and pat it in his. “You’ll come too, Van?”
“I? No, no. I’ve some bills of lading to look over.”
“Yah!” ejaculated Uncle Luke with a snarl.
“Yes; bills of lading, you idle old cynic. I can’t spend my time fishing.”
“Pity you can’t,” said Uncle Luke. “Money, money, always money.”
“Hear him, Mr Leslie?” said Van Heldre smiling. “Are you disposed to follow his teachings?”
“I’m afraid not,” said Leslie.
“Not he,” snarled Uncle Luke.