“I know,” said Sam. “And, while it is no doubt unfair to hold that against him, it’s a point you can’t afford to ignore. Henry Mortimer! You and I have Henry Mortimer’s number. We know what Henry Mortimer is like! A man who spends his time thinking up ways of annoying you. You can’t seriously want to have the Mortimer family linked to you by marriage.”
“Henry Mortimer is my oldest friend.”
“That makes it all the worse. Fancy a man who calls himself your friend treating you like that!”
“The misunderstanding to which you allude has been completely smoothed over. My relations with Mr. Mortimer are thoroughly cordial.”
“Well, have it your own way. Personally, I wouldn’t trust a man like that. And, as for letting my daughter marry his son...!”
“I have decided once and for all....”
“If you’ll take my advice, you will break the thing off.”
“I will not take your advice.”
“I wouldn’t expect to charge you for it,” explained Sam reassuringly. “I give it you as a friend, not as a lawyer. Six-and-eightpence to others, free to you.”
“Will you understand that my daughter is going to marry Bream Mortimer? What are you giggling about?”