"I dare say not. But as we don't regulate our discourse by the acquirements of gardeners, it doesn't matter. However, I asked him what he came for, and hinted that I wasn't going to take any shares, if that was what he wanted. Then he began to talk conundrums."
"What did he tell you?"
"Told me nothing. Hinted that there was a lot that I ought to know."
"He didn't give you any hint of what that was?"
"No. Why? I thought that you, who know everything, might know what he meant."
"My young friend, I learn a good deal about the private affairs of many people. They remain private affairs."
"Very good. This fellow seemed mad. He informed me, among other things, that he was no relation of mine."
"Unnecessary."
"Quite so. Then he began to speak in high terms of my mother, for which I ought to have kicked him."