“The whole resulting in a colossal fortune.”
“Which the old hunks sticks to like wax,” said Syd to himself.
“And of which you ought to be very proud, my dear.”
“Oh, I am, auntie. But I say, how was it pa and ma went off to Australia?”
“Pray do not revive old troubles, my dear. My brother never agreed with your grandfather. I grieve to say he was very wild, and given to horse-racing. Then he grievously offended your grandfather in the marriage he made clandestinely. Let it rest, my dear boy. Papa behaved very handsomely to John, and gave him ample funds to start a fresh career at the Antipodes, leaving you to my care—to be my own darling boy—to make you a true English gentleman; and I feel that I have done my duty by you.”
“Oh, auntie, you are good,” said the “dear boy.” “I’m sure I try to do what you wish.”
“Always, my darling, with a few exceptions. I have found out that.”
“What, auntie?” said the “dear boy,” changing colour.
“That my darling is a leetle disposed to be vulgar sometimes.”
“Ha!” sighed the lad, with a look of relief.