"But I am frank," cried the older man.
"Not entirely. You're trying to reprimand me without seeming to do it."
"Not at all. I'm merely—ah—advising you."
"I see. And if I don't choose to heed the—ah—advice ... what then?"
The judge lifted his finely manicured fingers and shrugged his shoulders. "You're not a boy, Arnold. You have eyes—and ears."
Imrie laughed again, but not pleasantly.
"Is this official?"
"I don't understand."
"I mean, are you talking to me as a friend—or as a vestryman?"
"My dear boy, the vestrymen are your friends."