I don't want to be rough, but it is time that I spoke plain.

Let's see, how long is it since you left the London firm ?" "Nine years this autumn," answered Morris, setting his mouth a little, for he knew what was coming.

The port drunk after claret had upset his father's digestion and ruffled his temper.

This meant that to him--Morris--Fate had appointed a lecture.
"Nine years, nine wasted years, idled and dreamt away in a village upon the eastern coast.

It is a large slice out of a man's life, my boy.