The son and I are chums: we live together, and have done so these three years.' 'You like your visit here, however ?' 'Yes.

It's rather good fun on the whole.

I was afraid of the indoor life when I was coming down, but it's pleasanter than I looked for.' 'When I asked you the question, it was not out of idle curiosity.

I had a strong personal interest in your answer.

In fact, it was another way of inquiring whether it would be a great sacrifice to tear yourself away from this.' 'No, inasmuch as the tearing-away process must take place in a couple of days--three at farthest.' 'That makes what I have to propose all the easier.