“Yes, if it’s good.”
“Ah! I was forgetting about the Count. Keep the curb tight and keep him in use.”
“I shall do both, Luke, for George’s sake,” said Van Heldre warmly.
“Good, lad!—I mean, more fool you!” said Uncle Luke, stumping out after ignoring extended hands and giving each a nod. “That’s all.”
He left the room, closing the door after him as loudly as he could without the shock being considered a bang; and directly after the front door was served in the same way, and they saw him pass the window.
“Odd fish, Luke,” said Van Heldre.
“Odd! I sometimes think he’s half mad.”
“Nonsense, my dear; no more mad than Hamlet. Here he is again.”
For the old man had come back, and was tapping the window-frame with his stick.
“What’s the matter?” said Van Heldre, throwing open the window, when Uncle Luke thrust in the basket he carried and his stick, resting his arms on the window-sill.