"I do not know what 'keeping an eye upon him' means in your vocabulary; often you and I do not use the same dictionary; until I know, I will not promise."
"You will look after him; do, Jim!"
"My dear madam"—with irritation—"let me go and buy your papers; and meanwhile urge him to look after me; I assure you that it is quite as necessary."
"Fiddlesticks, with your unimaginative, unemotional nature——"
"H'm!"
"Your head will always take care of your heart."
"Will it?"
"While he—promise me at least that, if you see him rushing to his ruin, you will telegraph to me?"
"Certainly, if you wish it; I will telegraph, 'Willy rushing Ruin.' At five-and-twenty centimes a word, it will cost you sevenpence halfpenny; not dear at the price, is it?"
The mother reddens.