I noticed that my father was annoyed because Ernest did not talk.
Once father took advantage of a lull and asked him to say something; but Ernest shrugged his shoulders and with an "I have nothing to say" went on eating salted almonds.
But father was not to be denied.

After a while he said: "We have with us a member of the working class.

I am sure that he can present things from a new point of view that will be interesting and refreshing.

I refer to Mr.Everhard." The others betrayed a well-mannered interest, and urged Ernest for a statement of his views.

Their attitude toward him was so broadly tolerant and kindly that it was really patronizing.