"Well, Mr. Francis," replied Simpson, "if you will forgive me for making a suggestion, sir, I should say that, as yours is a Cornish family, Cornwall would be a suitable place to——"
Here he stopped, and seemed in a difficulty as to how he should conclude the sentence.
"That is, sir," he went on, "would it not be appropriate?"
"Exactly," was my answer. "Cornwall it shall be, then; but I don't know Cornwall, although, as you say, I am of Cornish stock. You are also Cornish, Simpson?"
"Yes, sir; thank you, sir."
"I have been looking through my accounts," I went on, "and I find that by economy I can manage to pay my way for about a year. That fits in exactly, as you see; but I am afraid it won't include you, Simpson. You have rather a good appetite."
"My appetite can depend very much on the state of your funds, Mr. Francis," he replied.
"That means you are inclined to go with me?"
"Certainly, sir; I could not think of leaving you alone."
I confess that I was somewhat relieved at this, because, although I determined to put a brave face upon everything, the thought of spending my last days alone was not pleasant.