Walter Hine could not but think that he had made a very witty remark.

He began to thaw into something like confidence.

He sat more easily on his chair.
"You will have your little joke, Mr.Hine.You could dispose of it! Very good indeed! I must really tell that to my dear wife.

But business, business!" He checked his laughter with a determined effort, and lowered his voice to a confidential pitch.

"I propose to allow you two thousand pounds a year, paid quarterly in advance.