"It is the mock-humility of the purse-proud. But what did he want with you?"
"He is mighty mysterious about some secret which is going to be sprung upon me. It is now, he said, completely discovered."
"'Completely discovered,' you said, my son?"
"And I am to be told in a day or two. After which, everything depends upon my behaviour."
"Oh! Of what nature is the wonderful secret?"
"I don't know. Then he went on with a rigmarole about my being no relation of his—as if such a thing were possible! And he promises a mountain of dollars if I obey the wishes of my mother. Have you any special wishes, mother?"
"None—except those which you already know, and do not respect."
"I live as other men in my position are expected to live."
"Go on about your mysterious visitor."