“Here, Daddy,” replies a sweet voice.
“Where, my lovely one?”
“In the chimney, Daddy”; and the dear child clambers down and rushes into his arms without even waiting to brush off the soot. McVittie and Price make clucking noises of approval and delight. This is typical of what goes on in the Balbus household every day. How can it be possible that anything except joy should be in store for them? But ah——
Mr. Balbus: Where is Mammy, my treasure?
Emily Jane: Waiting for Daddy darling, in his study.
Mr. Balbus: Will my little heart ask her to come?
Emily Jane trips away so happily and obediently. “Well, Price,” says Mr. Balbus, “I must go and see how they’re getting on with the wall.”
Price: Haven’t you finished it yet?
Mr. Balbus: I don’t think I ever shall. Balbus was building a wall in the time of the Roman Empire; and I suppose he’ll go on for the rest of time.
McVittie: Which wall is it this time, Balbus?