"Thank you, sir."
Afterwards, Quinney admitted to Susan that at this particular moment James's good looks had hit him, so to speak, in the eye. But he did not consider them in relation to Posy. We know that the little man was amazingly shrewd whenever his own interests were imperilled. And it had occurred to him, not for the first time, that there might be "something" between his handsome foreman and his quite attractive typist. He could trust James. Could he trust Mabel Dredge? Some men babbled indiscreetly to the girls.
"You'll be thinking of gettin' married one of these fine days?"
"I have thought of it, sir."
The young man spoke so pleasantly that Quinney's heart warmed to him. Moreover, he liked and respected Mabel.
"Good! What you want is a helpmate, a worker like yourself, strong, healthy, and comely."
"Strong, healthy, and comely," repeated James.
"One who'll work hard in your house, while you're working hard in mine. There are young fellows in your position, my lad, who make fools o' theirselves by falling in love with young ladies. Useless creatures! It would hurt me to see you doin' that, James."
"I'm sure it would. Much obliged, sir."
"Not at all. Never so happy as when I'm thinking for others."