He had lived, he had seen It (Cluny called the world and all therein "It"), he was aged; he was in the large eye of experience; he had outlived the vices and the virtues of his time, which, told in his own naive staccato phrases, made Agatha hug herself.
She advised him to go and ask Mr.Belward's advice; begged him not to act until he had done so.

And Cluny, who was blind as a bat when a woman mocked him, went to Gaston and said: "See, old chap,--I know you don't mind my calling you that--I've come for advice.

Agatha said I'd better.

A fellow comes to a time when he says, 'Here, I want a shop of my own,' doesn't he?
He's seen It, he's had It all colours, he's ready for family duties, and the rest.

That's so, isn't it ?" Gaston choked back a laugh, and, purposely putting himself on the wrong scent, said: "And does Agatha agree ?" "Agatha?
Come, Belward, that youngster! Agatha's only in on a sisterly-brotherly basis.