“Stout and hearty, ma’am. He’s been under my care ever since he was a young un, ma’am, and I’ve treated him like he was my own.”
“Indeed!”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m poor, but I’ve always shared my crust with him, givin’ him the biggest half.”
“Very kind, I’m sure,” said the lady, sarcastically. “I suppose you’re very fond of him.”
“Of course I am,” said Rudolph. “But,” he added, after a slight pause, “there’s one thing I like better.”
“What is that?”
“Money.”
“Good! I see we understand one another.”
“That’s so, ma’am. You needn’t be afraid to say anything to me. Business is business.”