“D’you imagine I thought it was a packet of envelopes?” retorted Mr. Rendall. “But why not put him in the nursery?”
“The other children have only just been sent to their aunt’s, sir, and the nursery isn’t quite ready. Poor little thing’s very weakly, and has to be near a good fire.”
“H’m,” said Mr. Rendall. “I see! Boy, eh? Not much good—weakly boys!”
“Oh, but he’ll soon strengthen up.”
“Hope so. Yes. Doctor’s bills—no good! Mrs. Rendall all right?”
“Going along very nicely, I’m glad to say.”
“H’m. Yes. When did all this happen?”
“About three o’clock.”
“Not much of a chance to clear up, eh? Cups and things lying about! Well, I suppose I may as well go upstairs.”
The interview between husband and wife does not affect our narrative and may well be omitted.