We have a room which is quite at your disposal, and I hope you'll stay with us.

Brought your portmanteau, eh ?" "It is at the station," I replied.
"See that it is sent for," he said to Derrick; "and show Mr.Wharncliffe all that is to be seen in this cursed hole of a place." Then, turning again to me, "Have you lunched?
Very well, then, don't waste this fine afternoon in an invalid's room, but be off and enjoy yourself." So cordial was the old man, that I should have thought him already a reformed character, had I not found that he kept the rough side of his tongue for home use.

Derrick placed a novel and a small handbell within his reach, and we were just going, when we were checked by a volley of oaths from the Major; then a book came flying across the room, well aimed at Derrick's head.

He stepped aside, and let it fall with a crash on the sideboard.
"What do you mean by giving me the second volume when you know I am in the third ?" fumed the invalid.
He apologised quietly, fetched the third volume, straightened the disordered leaves of the discarded second, and with the air of one well accustomed to such little domestic scenes, took up his hat and came out with me.
"How long do you intend to go on playing David to the Major's Saul ?" I asked, marvelling at the way in which he endured the humours of his father.
"As long as I have the chance," he replied.

"I say, are you sure you won't mind staying with us?
It can't be a very comfortable household for an outsider." "Much better than for an insider, to all appearance," I replied.