"I mean the Ambersons," George said impatiently. "I understand he was
a good deal around the house here."

"What is your objection to that, George?"

"What do you mean: my objection?"

"You seemed to speak with a certain crossness."

"Well," said George, "I meant he seems to feel awfully at home here.
The way he was dancing with Aunt Fanny--"

Amberson laughed. "I'm afraid your Aunt Fanny's heart was stirred by
ancient recollections, Georgie."

"You mean she used to be silly about him?"

"She wasn't considered singular," said the uncle "He was--he was
popular. Could you bear a question?"

"What do you mean: could I bear--"

"I only wanted to ask: Do you take this same passionate interest in
the parents of every girl you dance with? Perhaps it's a new fashion
we old bachelors ought to take up. Is it the thing this year to--"

"Oh, go on!" said George, moving away. "I only wanted to know--" He
left the sentence unfinished, and crossed the room to where a girl sat
waiting for his nobility to find time to fulfil his contract with her