“John,” Tommy had said, seizing his opportunity, “you saw the young lady who was here the other day?”
“Yes.”
“She’s the secretary, you know.”
“Yes,” said John again, yawning; for he was sleepy.
“Well, what did you think of her?”
John started, and regarded his brother with a stare of astonishment. It was the first time Tommy had ever asked his opinion on such a subject. Was he thinking of getting married, or what? John Dudgeon had a certain broad sense of humour which enabled him to perceive such ludicrous elements of a situation as showed themselves on the surface.
“Ah!” he exclaimed slyly; “are you there?”
Tommy put out his hands in some confusion.
“No, no,” he said, “not what you think! But did you notice anything particular about the young lady?”
“Well no,” replied John, “except that I thought she was a very nice young person. But, Tommy, isn’t she rather too young? If you really are thinking of getting married, wouldn’t it be better to choose some one a little nearer your own age?”