“I haven't been called that in years, not since I outgrew corporal punishment, how many years ago it seems! I've seen Reddy, he hunted me up first thing this morning, and he told me you were home. I suppose you are going to stay with us?”
“Oh, yes. They tell me you are a lawyer, Ben.”
Wade waved a hand deprecatingly at this.
“A weak limb of the law, Landray, and only just beginning to make trouble for my neighbours. Your aunt here was one of my first clients; and for a longer time than I care to tell, she enjoyed the proud distinction of being my only client.”
“When you're famous, Ben, just think—that will be something for Aunt Virginia to boast of,” said Elinor.
Ben turned toward her, and Stephen thought he detected a careworn look in his eyes. He smiled, but only with his lips, as he answered:
“Pray heaven, it won't be too long a time in coming, my dear girl!”
Somehow Stephen instantly resented their intimacy.