“I've had sterner things to think about. I've had 'to earn my living—and give you a good time.”
“I appreciate it,” said Austen.
“Humph! Sometimes I think you don't show it a great deal,” the Honourable Hilary answered.
“I show it as far as I can, Judge,” said his son. “I can't help the way I was made.”
“I try to take account of that,” said the Honourable Hilary.
Austen laughed.
“I'll drop in to-morrow morning,” he said.
But the Honourable Hilary pointed to a chair on the other side of the desk.
“Sit down. To-day's as good as to-morrow,” he remarked, with sententious significance, characteristically throwing the burden of explanation on the visitor.
Austen found the opening unexpectedly difficult. He felt that this was a crisis in their relations, and that it had come at an unfortunate hour.