“I didn't ask her, Chris; I didn't think it the square thing; it seems that's out of fashion!”
Christian's cheeks were burning.
“I think a lot while I lie here,” Mr. Treffry went on; “nothing much else to do. What I ask myself is this: What do you know about what's best for you? What do you know of life? Take it or leave it, life's not all you think; it's give and get all the way, a fair start is everything.”
Christian thought: 'Will he never see?'
Mr. Treffry went on:
“I get better every day, but I can't last for ever. It's not pleasant to lie here and know that when I'm gone there'll be no one to keep a hand on the check string!”
“Don't talk like that, dear!” Christian murmured.
“It's no use blinking facts, Chris. I've lived a long time in the world; I've seen things pretty well as they are; and now there's not much left for me to think about but you.”
“But, Uncle, if you loved him, as I do, you couldn't tell me to be afraid! It's cowardly and mean to be afraid. You must have forgotten!”
Mr. Treffry closed his eyes.