“Oh, he is quite well,” said Judith.
“Ah! you think so, naturally, but we would decide for ourselves, dearest young lady, though—not for the world would we willingly differ from you. But, you know, there are questions on which varieties of opinions are allowable, and yet do not disturb the most heartfelt friendship. It is so, is it not, Jukes?”
The rubicund man in knee-breeches nodded.
“Shall I begin, Jukes? Why, my fine little man! What an array of books! What scholarship! And at your age, too—astounding! What age did you say you were?” This to Jamie in an insinuating tone. Jamie stared, looked appealingly at Judith, and said nothing.
“We are the same age, we are twins,” said Judith.
“Oh! it is not the right thing to appear anxious to know a lady’s age. We will put it another way, eh, Jukes?”
The red-faced man leaned his hands on his stick, his chin on his hands, and winked, as in that position he could not nod.
“Now, my fine little man! When is your birthday? When you have your cake—raisin-cake, eh?”
Jamie looked questioningly at his sister.