"Ah!"
Mr. Mablethorpe appeared to fall into a fresh train of thought, and after a little while enquired:—
"What is your opinion of the female sex as a whole?"
Not long ago Philip could have given his opinion on this subject clearly and concisely. Now he was content to quote the words of another.
"I don't quite know," he said, "but Uncle Joseph thinks—"
He hesitated. Mr. Mablethorpe might not be interested in Uncle Joseph.
But this astonishing gentleman appeared to be interested in everybody.
"Tell me all that Uncle Joseph thinks," he commanded.
"Uncle Joseph," began Philip, "used to wonder why women were ever created."
Mr. Mablethorpe turned and regarded his small companion sharply.