Austen smiled a little sadly. One would have thought, by that smile, that the son was the older and wiser of the two.
"I didn't mean to cast any reflection on your habitual industry, Judge," he said.
"Humph!" exclaimed Mr. Vane. "I've got more to do than sit in the window and read poetry, if that's what you mean."
"You never learned how to enjoy life, did you, Judge?" he said. "I don't believe you ever really had a good time. Own up."
"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.