‘You’re a woman.’
‘I had near forgot it.’
He wishes he was at the station with Dixon. Dixon is sure to have a bottle in his pocket. They will be roaring a song presently. But in the meantime—there is that son business. Blethers, the whole thing, of course—or mostly blethers. But it’s the way to please her.
‘Have you noticed you have never called me son?’
‘Have I noticed it! I was feared, Kenneth. You said I was on probation.’
‘And so you were. Well, the probation’s ended.’ He laughs uncomfortably.
‘The like of me! But if you want me you can have me.’
‘Kenneth, will I do?’
‘Woman,’ artfully gay, ‘don’t be so forward. Wait till I have proposed.’
‘Propose for a mother?’