Mr.Vanstone was not accustomed to such an extraordinary act of attention as this.

He sat down, looking more puzzled than ever.

Magdalen immediately placed herself on his knee, and rested her head comfortably on his shoulder.
"Am I heavy, papa ?" she asked.
"Yes, my dear, you are," said Mr.Vanstone--"but not too heavy for _me_.
Stop on your perch, if you like it.

Well?
And what may this business happen to be ?" "It begins with a question." "Ah, indeed?
That doesn't surprise me.

Business with your sex, my dear, always begins with questions.