“Ah, yes; your Uncle Rodney. I haven’t seen him since he came home. I trust he’s quite well.”
“Yes; he’s always well.”
“I believe that is so; but the life he has led is conducive to a tranquil old age. He has led a life of ease, with no responsibilities.”
This was Dameron’s usual attitude toward his brother-in-law; there was nothing to be gained by defending her uncle, and Zelda turned the conversation into other channels. She had enjoyed her summer in many ways and to mention the farm was always to give her father pleasure. He followed her talk with relief. He saw with satisfaction that she was simply dressed; he was afraid of her when she came to the table arrayed in splendor, as she sometimes did, quite unaccountably.
He did not seek the evening paper with his wonted eagerness when they returned to the sitting-room after dinner, but continued talking.
“There are some business matters that I should like to speak of to-night, Zee.”
“Very well, father.”
“I have deferred this as long as possible, feeling that you would not care to be troubled about business—even your own. I fully sympathize with a woman’s dislike of it.”
He had brought his fingers to their apex and was speaking in a pleasant, conciliatory tone.
“I’m sure I have no wish to learn business, father.”