“Yes, Kenneth.”

“Don’t say ‘Yes, Kenneth,’ say ‘Yes.’ Look here: why doesn’t Long Shon come to ask how I am?”

“He does, every morning.”

“He doesn’t! a miserable old duck’s legs!”

“But he does. I told you so.”

“That you didn’t. You take advantage of my lying here, and— Oh, I say, you might shut that window, it does make it so hot.”

Max rose to go and close the window; but Kenneth caught his hand and held it, looking up at him wet-eyed and wistful.

“Maxy, old chap,” he said softly.

“Yes.”

“I am such a beast!”