I smiled. That was Harry's style of wit.

After he had eaten his "breakfast for five" he came in to see me
with the air of a man who was determined to have it out.

I myself was in no mood for talk; indeed, I scarcely ever am in
such a mood, unless it be with a pretty woman or a great sinner.
You may regard that sentence as tautological if you like; I
sha'n't quarrel about it.

What I mean to say is that it was with a real effort I set myself
to the distasteful task before me, rendered necessary by the
responsibility of my position as elder brother and head of the
family.

Harry began by observing with assumed indifference: "Well, and
now there's the deuce to pay, I suppose."

"As his representative I am not a hard creditor," I smiled.

"I know, I know--" he began impetuously and stopped.

I continued:

"My boy, there is always the deuce to pay. If not for one thing,
then for another. So your observation would serve for any other
time as well as now. The point is this: you are ten years younger
than I, and you are under my care; and much as I dislike to talk,
we must reach an understanding."