“Of course you're going to make us a long visit, Uncle Robert.”
The old man's propitiating gaze went to his son. “Not long, I reckon. I've got to get back to my business.”
“Nonsense! We'll not let you go so easily. Eh, James?”
“No, of course not,” the lawyer mumbled. He was both annoyed and embarrassed.
“I don't want to be selfish about it, but I do think you had better put up with me, Uncle. James is at the University Club, and only members have rooms there. We'll let him come and see you if he's good,” Jeff went on breezily.
James breathed freer. “That might be the best way, if it wouldn't put you out, Jeff.”
“I wouldn't want to be any trouble,” the old man explained.
“And you won't be. I want you. James wants you, too, but he can't very well arrange it. I can. So that's settled.”
In his rooms that evening Jeff very gently made clear to his uncle that Verden believed him to be his son.
“If you don't mind, sir, we'll let it go that way in public. We don't want to hurt the political chances of James just now. And there are other things, too. He'll tell you about them himself probably.”