"I understand that Mr.Eugene Morgan used to be a great friend of the family." "Oh, the Minafers ?" the uncle inquired, with apparent innocence.

"No, I seem to recall that he and your father were not--" "I mean the Ambersons," George said impatiently.

"I understand he was a good deal around the house here." "What is your objection to that, George ?" "What do you mean: my objection ?" "You seemed to speak with a certain crossness." "Well," said George, "I meant he seems to feel awfully at home here.

The way he was dancing with Aunt Fanny--" Amberson laughed.

"I'm afraid your Aunt Fanny's heart was stirred by ancient recollections, Georgie." "You mean she used to be silly about him ?" "She wasn't considered singular," said the uncle "He was--he was popular.