"Go and shake hands with Mr.Bomford, Alfred." The child crossed the room and held out his hand with grave self-possession.
"It is very kind of you to come and see father," he said.

"I am afraid that sometimes he is very lonely here.

I will go away and leave you to talk." Mr.Bomford fumbled in his pocket.
"Dear me!" he exclaimed.

"Dear me! Ah, here is a half-crown! You must buy some chocolates or something to-morrow, young man.

Or a gun, eh?
Can one buy a gun for half-a-crown ?" Alfred smiled at him.
"It is very kind of you, sir," he said slowly.