"I suppose I may smoke ?" he said, with a touch of restraint.
Sir Beverley was lying back in his chair, gazing straight up at him.
Suddenly he reached out a trembling hand.
"You're a good boy, Piers," he said.

"You may do any damn thing you like." Piers' eyes kindled in swift response.

He gripped the extended hand.

"You're a brick, sir!" he said.

"Look here! Come along to the billiard-room and have a hundred up! It'll give you an appetite for dinner." He hoisted the old man out of his chair before he could begin to protest.
They stood together before the great fire, and Sir Beverley straightened his stiff limbs.