The invalid's head started forward from the pillow.
"Will you have the kindness to mind your own—" he began; and then, in judgment, another spasm assailed him.
Andrew closed his eyes, drew down the corners of his mouth, and his lips moved silently but evidently piously. It was impossible to remain callous to such an elevating influence.
"You are right, Andrew; you are right," said his father. "And now, just supposing I was taken, you'll see that affair of Guthrie and Co. through the way we decided on?"
Andrew opened his eyes immediately and exhibited a fresh instance of his adaptability to each changing circumstance.
"I've just been thinking of a better method still," he answered promptly. "Why should the creditors get any more than they're legally entitled to? You mind yon five thousand pounds invested in the Grand Trunk Railway?"
"Perfectly, perfectly."
"Well, when one goes into the thing, they've really no more than a moral right to that; and if one once begins on moral rights, there's no end to them."
"That sounds a bit worldly-wise, Andrew; but as you like—as you like."