“Ben, what can I do for you—what can I do?”

Fishpingle answered simply:

“The thing nearest my heart is the happiness of your son, who will stand here when we are gone.”

Sir Geoffrey said hurriedly:

“I know that, I know that. I must call my wife.”

“You mean to tell her?”

“I must.”

“Nobody else.”

“If you insist. But—have I found a brother only to lose him?”

“You know what I wish—to remain here, to help you, to help Mr. Lionel.”