He had never before ventured to utter words of counsel on this delicate subject.

But having started, he was minded to make a neat job of it.

Adam had never been the man to leave a thing half done.
"Go to it, Rufus!" he said, dropping his voice confidentially.

"Don't be afraid to show your mettle! Don't be crowded out by that curly-topped chap! You're worth a dozen of him.

Just you let her know it, that's all!" He dug his hands into his trousers pockets with the words, and turned to go.
Rufus moved then, moved abruptly as one coming out of a dream.