His son suddenly became afflicted with a sense of the absurdity of the situation.

He kicked me on the shin, he even dared to wink, and then began to swell visibly with suppressed laughter.

I was in agony, for if he had exploded I do not know what would have happened.

Fortunately, at this moment the carriage stopped at the door of a fine office.

Without waiting for the footman Mr.Stephen bundled out and vanished into the building--I suppose to laugh in safety.