‘I am trying to solve a riddle, uncle.’
‘What!’ he exclaimed with a burst of laughter, ‘at this time in the morning. O ho! I see Master Philip was here too long yesterday.’
‘Will you try it?’
‘Don’t be a fool. Call the Missus and let’s have breakfast.’
‘To please me, uncle,’ she said, putting her hand on his arm.
‘Well, what is it?’
‘Suppose somebody asked you to do something that you wanted to do yourself, what would you say?’
‘That’s easily answered—yes, of course.’
‘But, suppose there were reasons connected with other people on account of which you ought to say “no,” what would you do?’
‘Please myself.—Now, let’s have our victuals, and confound your riddles, or I’ll send for the doctor and the parson at once.’