I hope ?" "Quite well, Lady Carruthers, myself.

Quite well, I thank you." But his manner was so confused, his face so flushed, that the stately lady looked at him in wonder.
"And my son, Mr.Forester! Have you seen him lately?
Have you left him well ?" "He was in perfect health, Lady Carruthers, when I saw him last," replied the lawyer, stiffly.
"I am glad of it.

I have no wish to complain, but I have not heard from my son lately.

He has not time to write, I suppose." "There will be no use in beating about the bush," the lawyer thought.

"I had better speak plainly at once." "Lady Carruthers," he said, "have you seen today's 'Times' ?" "No," she replied; "I have been so deeply engaged with visitors, I have really not opened it." "Then I must ask you to prepare yourself for something very disagreeable.