But I flushed up dreadfully, in a manner which Jack could not help noticing, and replied, "You mind your own business--I'll mind mine!" "You'd better, my boy," was the reply.

"Pyman, the pastrycook, was asking most affectionately after you too.

He says he hopes you won't move without letting him know, as he'd like to call and--" "Come on, Jack!" I cried, taking Jack's arm; "it's enough to make one sick the way they talk." And amid much laughter, and in no very amiable frame of mind, I quitted my persecutors.
I made sure Jack would read me a lecture, or at any rate refer to the subject which had caused me so much annoyance.

He did neither.
"Lively lot they are," said he.

"It's a wonder where they pick up all their notions." "They want to make you believe I've been up to all sorts of mischief since you went away," I said.
Jack laughed.
"And they expect me to believe it," said he.