They had been discussing the problem of the smallholder.

Joan had put a question to him, and with a slight start he had asked her to repeat it.

But it seemed she had forgotten it.
"I had to see our solicitor one morning," he explained, "when I was secretary to a miners' union up north.

A point had arisen concerning the legality of certain payments.

It was a matter of vast importance to us; but he didn't seem to be taking any interest, and suddenly he jumped up.
'I'm sorry, Phillips,' he said, 'but I've got a big trouble of my own on at home--I guess you know what--and I don't seem to care a damn about yours.