"I want her got out." "'Out' ?" "Out of her mother's house." Vanderbank laughed though--more immediately--he had coloured.

"Why, her mother's house is just where I see her!" "Precisely; and if it only weren't we might get on faster." Vanderbank, for all his kindness, looked still more amused.

"But if it only weren't, as you say, I seem to understand you wouldn't have your particular vision of urgency." Mr.Longdon, through adjusted glasses, took him in with a look that was sad as well as sharp, then jerked the glasses off.

"Oh you do understand." "Ah," said Vanderbank, "I'm a mass of corruption!" "You may perfectly be, but you shall not," Mr.Longdon returned with decision, "get off on any such plea.

If you're good enough for me you're good enough, as you thoroughly know, on whatever head, for any one." "Thank you." But Vanderbank, for all his happy appreciation, thought again.