‘Are never happy unless there is something that we want to buy. How thoroughly you understand us, Sir Frederick!’
‘Consider for how many years I have made you my study.’
‘What a pity you did not make better use of your time!’
‘Where could I have found another study half so charming?’
‘You would graduate with honours, I do not doubt.’
‘If you were one of the examining Dons, that might be possible.’—There was a brief pause, then the Baronet said: ‘I trust that Lady Dimsdale is quite well?’
‘Quite well, I believe. She, too, is somewhere about the grounds. This lovely morning seems to have tempted every one out of doors.—You will stay luncheon of course, Sir Frederick?’
‘You are too good. A rusk and a glass of claret are all that I take in the middle of the day.’
It was one of the Baronet’s little weaknesses to like to be regarded as a semi-invalid, especially by the ladies.
‘Captain Bowood must add his entreaties to mine, and persuade you to stay.—By-the-bye, I had almost forgotten to ask after your nephew. Have you heard from him lately?’