“Satisfied? Oh, I don’t mind, my dear, so long as you get on. And you are, you know, sitting here among the big people, I say, Cory, I am proud of you.”
“That’s right, mother.”
“But I say, what did Colonel Mellersh say to you as he went to the card-table?”
“Asked me, as any gentleman would, whether he should take me down to have some refreshment.”
“Well, that was kind and neighbourly. I rather like him, but I do wish you wouldn’t encourage that young Linnell so.”
“Mother!”
“There, I’ve done. I won’t say another word. Don’t fly out at me here. Now, that is a man to admire.”
“What, Mr Richard Linnell?”
“No: stuff, Cory. You know who I mean—that Major Rockley. I couldn’t hear a word he said to you. I wouldn’t, for I don’t like to stand in your way. I say, Cory, he’ll be a Colonel and a General some day. Why not him?”
“Would you like to know what he said to me, mother?”