"I'm astonished, sir, at your allowing that impudent grandchild of mine to take such liberties with you.

Who would suppose that you were a married man, with children of your own ?" "That's just the reason, my dear madam," Mr.Sarrazin smartly replied.
"I romp with my own children--why not with Kitty?
Can I do anything for you in London ?" he went on, getting a little nearer to the door; "I leave Edinburgh by the next train.

And I promise you," he added, with the spirit of mischief twinkling in his eyes, "this shall be my last confidential interview with your grandchild.

When she wants to ask any more questions, I transfer her to you." Mrs.Presty looked after the retreating lawyer thoroughly mystified.
What "confidential interview"?
What "questions"?
After some consideration, her experience of her granddaughter suggested that a little exercise of mercy might be attended with the right result.

She looked at a cake on the sideboard.