"That's genuine old lacquer; you can't get it nowadays.

It'd do well in a sale at Jobson's." He spoke with relish, as though he felt that he was cheering up his old aunt.

It was seldom he was so confidential.

"I wouldn't mind having it myself," he added; "you can always get your price for old lacquer." "You're so clever with all those things," said Aunt Ann.

"And how is dear Irene ?" Soames's smile died.
"Pretty well," he said.