His first words were uttered in a tone of insolent coolness:—
“So you are my brother’s son, are you?” There was no extending of the hand, no gesture—not even a smile of welcome!
Herbert checked his anger, and simply answered,—
“I believe so.”
“And pray, sir, what errand has brought you out to Jamaica?”
“If you have received my letter, as I presume you have, it will have answered that question.”
“Oh, indeed!” exclaimed Mr Vaughan, with an attempt at cynicism, but evidently taken down by the unexpected style of the reply. “And what, may I ask, do you purpose doing here?”
“Have not the slightest idea,” answered Herbert, with a provoking air of independence. “Have you any profession?”
“Unfortunately, not any.”
“Any trade?—I suppose not.”