The ability to shave himself was the one manly accomplishment Gable had learned in a long life.
This ludicrous incident had not served to draw Harry's thoughts from his project.

All his life he had seen his Uncle Jonnie treated as a child, and there was nothing incongruous in the situation, even 'when the grey-haired boy was rated for neglecting to shave or sent supperless to bed for similar sins of omission or commission.

To Mrs.Hardy also it was a simple serious business of domestic government.

Ever since she was ten years old Uncle John, who was many years her senior, had been her baby brother and her charge, and although gifted with a good sense of humour, the necessity of admonishing him did not interfere with the gravity of mind she had brought to bear on the former conversation.
'Mr.Holden was an old friend of your father's, Henry,' she said.
'I know,' Harry replied.

'They were mates at Buninyong and Bendigo.