I will ask my architect, Jenkins, if he can't do anything; it might be pulled down, perhaps." "Better leave it alone," said the Colonel, with a sniff.

"If I know anything of Jenkins he'd only put up something worse.

I tell you, John, that where bricks and mortar are concerned that man's a moral monster." "I know you don't like his style," murmured Porson; "but won't you come in, it is so hot out here in the sun ?" "Thank you, yes, but let us go to that place you call your den, not to the drawing-room.

If you can spare it, I want half-an-hour with you.
That's why I came over in the afternoon, before dinner." "Certainly, certainly," murmured Porson again, as he led the way to the "den," but to himself he added: "It's those mortgages, I'll bet.

Oh dear! oh dear! when shall I see the last of them ?" Presently they were established in the den, the Colonel very cool and comfortable in Mr.Porson's armchair, and Porson himself perched upon the edge of a new-looking leather sofa in an attitude of pained expectancy.
"Now I am at your service, Colonel," he said.
"Oh! yes; well, it is just this.