'I'm sure you've worked too much.'
'I have worked hard--at times.' There was a grimness in his tone which it is to be hoped she did not detect. 'As a result of my--labours, I have amassed a small fortune which will relieve me, in the future, from the necessity of making more money, and will enable me to devote the whole of my attention to the claims of my wife and family.'
'Do you mean that you are rich?'
'Rich is a relative term, I hope that I have enough to provide us all with bread and cheese for the remainder of our days.'
'Without working any more?'
'Without working any more.'
'James, shan't we be happy?'
I think we shall. It's about my idea of happiness to have you always close at hand.'
'James!'
'My idea is to leave this part of the world behind us; and--what do you say to a little travel?'