"I don't know for certain," I replied. "About Wednesday or Thursday, I expect, but I'll send a line and let you know." I paused. "Is there anything you want for the house—anything I can have sent down from London?"
He shook his head. "There's no trouble about gettin' food," he answered. "All the Shalston tradesmen deliver at Pen Mill, and, as far as liquor goes the cellar's just full up with it."
My opinion of Uncle Richard underwent a slight improvement.
"That's good news," I said. "How are you off for money?"
"I've got enough to go on with. Mr. Drayton gave me twenty pound last time 'e was down 'ere." He hesitated for a moment, and then added gruffly: "Beggin' your pardon, sir, but might I ask what arrangements you're thinkin' o' makin'?"
"How do you mean?" I asked.
"Well, I was wonderin' if you wanted me. Mebbe you'll be bringin' your own folk along with you."
"You looked after my uncle while he was alive, didn't you?" I asked.
"Yes," he said bluntly, "I reckon 'e was satisfied, but it don't foller you won't 'ave different ideas."
"That depends on you," I said. "If you make me comfortable I shall be quite contented with the arrangement—at all events for the present."