"You're not to talk like that in a hansom!"
"I'm merely explaining. I suggest that if you do feel like changing, you should lunch first, and change afterwards."
"You're coming back with me to Russell Square?"
"Rather!"
"I won't wear mourning--people may say and think what they choose--I declare I won't. Did you ever see anything like that letter?"
"It was by way of being a curiosity."
"But, Rodney, he said you were--he said you were all sorts of things! What did he mean?"
"Your father was one of those not uncommon men who always use much stronger language than the occasion requires--it was a habit of his. For instance, when, in spite of his very positive commands, I showed an inclination to continue your acquaintance, he as good as told me I was a murderer--he said that it was his positive conviction that for the sake of a five-pound note I'd murder you."
"Did he really?"
"He did. And I dare say that when you showed no desire to cut me dead, he said one or two nice things to you."