“Why not, lad?”
“You see, I should have to slip out in the old way—through the drawing-room, and down the balcony pillar.”
“Same as you and Master Fred used, eh?”
“Don’t talk about him,” said the lad.
“Well, he’s your own brother.”
“Yes, but father won’t have his name mentioned,” said the boy sadly. “He’s to be dead to us. Here, what a fool I am, talking so to you!”
“Oh, I don’t know, my lad; we was always friends, since you was quite a little chap, and I used to give you rides in my boat.”
“Yes; you always were a friend, Dick, and I like you.”
“On’y you do get a bit prouder now you’re growing such a strapping chap, Master Morton.”
“I shan’t change to you, Dick.”