She laughed: “But papa is not as bad as he looks, you know.”
“Yes, he is; I have known him longer than you have. But there seem to be honors in dishonor. During these years that I have been trotting about the globe he has been climbing higher and higher, until now his legs are dangling from the topmost round. Why, I understand that none but the solidest billionaires and the fattest monopolies presume to retain him.”
“I am afraid someone took you for a hay-seed, Sam, and has been stuffing you.”
“No, they have not!” exclaimed the daughter. “Everybody says he is the best lawyer in New York. He has refused to be a judge several times!”
“Oh, come, Molly! Don’t make a fool of your old father!”
“Go ahead, Miss Molly,” cried Mr. Fettiplace. “Don’t mind him! I know you are right. But I suppose he pays the customary penalty for his greatness; slaves day and night, both summer and winter, eh?”
“Yes, he does, and if you have any influence with him, Mr. Fettiplace, I wish you would bring it to bear.”
“I will. He shall do just as you decide.”
“Now, Molly,” said Mr. Cabot, “be just. Have I not promised to take a three months’ vacation this summer?”
“Where do you spend the summer?” asked Mr. Fettiplace.