How came you to be dining at this time o' night ?' 'Father has been out all day, and dinner was put back till six.

I know I have kept you; but Nicholas, how can I help it sometimes, if I am not to run any risk?
My poor father insists upon my listening to all he has to say; since my brother left he has had nobody else to listen to him; and to-night he was particularly tedious on his usual topics--draining, and tenant-farmers, and the village people.

I must take daddy to London; he gets so narrow always staying here.' 'And what did you say to it all ?' 'Well, I took the part of the tenant-farmers, of course, as the beloved of one should in duty do.' There followed a little break or gasp, implying a strangled sigh.
'You are sorry you have encouraged that beloving one ?' 'O no, Nicholas.

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