He had suspicions that there was something behind this great affability of his father, and he objected to being played with.
"Ah," the Captain said gravely, "that is unfortunate.

When I came away Bunty did not seem very well, and was thinking of spending the rest of the day in his bedroom." Pip made up the fire in a dogged way, and Meg flashed a frightened glance at her father, who smiled affectionately back at her.
After an hour of this strained intercourse the Captain proposed a return home.
"It is growing chill," he said.

"I should be grieved for the General's new-born tooth to start its life by aching--let's go home and make shift with teapot tea." So they gathered up the untouched baskets and made themselves into a procession.
The Captain insisted on Pip and Meg walking with him, and he sent Baby and Nell on in front, one on either side of Esther, who was alternately leading and carrying the General.
This arrangement being, as indeed Pip shrewdly suspected; to prevent the possibility of any intercourse or formation of new plans.
And when they got home he invited them all to come into his smoking-room, a little slit of a place off the dining-room.
Esther took the General upstairs, but the others followed him in silence.
"Sit down, Pip, my boy," he said genially.

"Come, Meg, make yourself at home, take a seat in that armchair.

Nell and Baby can occupy the lounge." They all sat down helplessly where he told them, and watched his face anxiously.
He selected a pipe from the row over the mantelpiece, fitted a new mouthpiece to it, and carefully filled it.
"As you are all in possession of my room," he said in an urbane voice, "I can hardly smoke with any comfort here, I am afraid.