James's voice was very silky as he murmured:
"Nobody like you, sir, to sell stuff."
"Right you are, James, even if I do say it. There ain't my superior in London—that means the world."
It was then that James led trumps for the first time. He continued in the same ingratiating tone:
"Oh yes, sir. And such a father, too."
Quinney swallowed this easily, smacked his lips over it, much to James's satisfaction.
"Always done my duty, my lad. That's a thought to stick to one's ribs—hey? Never can remember the day when I couldn't say that. And the fam'ly, as I read only t'other day, is the unit o' national life. Square, too, I've been, within reasonable limits, although I do make ignorance pay a profit to knowledge. I know a lot, more'n you think for. And you owe a lot to me, James."
"Yes, sir."
"You're very useful to me, my lad, and your future will be my special care."
James smiled.