"I started an agency at the beginning of the year for artificial
manure, but I think I shall drop it. I am arranging to go on the Stock
Exchange. The difficulty is whether I shall be able to get my father
to allow me to take enough money out of the business."

"What business?"

"The distillery."

"Oh, but what about this office? Why are you obliged to lunch at your
office? Are you expecting customers? I know nothing about that sort of
thing."

"No, I wish I were. The fact is, my missis is staying in Brighton for
a few weeks. The child has been ailing a good deal lately, and the
doctor ordered change of air."

"Child! Missis! I know nothing of this."

"A very nice woman, I think you'll like her. She is devoted to me.
We've been together now two years or more, I can't say exactly, I
should have to refer to my diary."

"But the child?"

"The child isn't mine. She had the child before I knew her."

"And what is the matter with it?"

"Curvature of the spine. The doctor says she will outgrow it. Cissy