"Awfully wise," cried Samuel, laughing, "when in the end I only carry out all your insane ideas."
"True! But still you were generally right. The fact is, if you speak words of wisdom, and then act a little the other way, it is simply out of love for me. I know it, my brother. I am not ungrateful, and love you dearly."
"I don't doubt your affection. But you alarm me."
"Why?" said Joshua, laughing.
"Whenever you talk like this, I smell a rat, in the shape of some awful scheme, some diabolical plot."
"I see you are not to be easily deceived," said Joshua; "but come in, let us eat, and then talk. The matter of which I wish to speak is of general interest."
"As you will; but still I am monstrously afraid."
"I know you are a great coward," cried Joshua.
At this moment they reached the house, alighted, and, giving the horses to the servants, entered the parlour, escorted by Dardar, who had come to meet them.
The two ladies received Samuel cordially.