“Ah, that puts me in mind of something: I wish you wouldn’t be so fond of that Claire Denville.”
“Why not? I must be fond of somebody.”
“Be fond of me, then, I’m ugly enough.”
“So I am fond of you, Jo-si-ah, and you are not ugly, and I should like to hear anyone say you were to my face.”
“I don’t like that Denville lot.”
“No more do I, Jo-si-ah, only poor dear Claire. Her father ain’t bad, but she’s as good as gold.”
“I don’t know so much about that,” muttered Barclay.
“And now, Jo-si-ah, just you be careful with that Major Rockley. He owes you a lot now.”
“Yes, but I’ve got him tight enough.”
“And if you let him have more you get him tighter. He’s a bold, bad man, always gambling and drinking, and doing worse.”