'Oh, Bruce!'

'It's such an infernally long way.'

'It's only to Kensington.'

'West Kensington. It's off the map. I'm not an explorer--I don't pretend
to be.' He paused a moment, then went on, 'And it's not only the
frightful distance and the expense of getting there, but when I do get
there.... Do you consider that my people treat me with proper
deference?'

'With proper _what?_' asked Edith.

'Deference. I admit I like deference. I need it--I require it; and at my
people's--well, frankly, I don't get it.'

'If you need it,' said Edith, 'I hope you will get it. But remember they
are your father and mother.'

'What do you mean by that?'

'Well, I mean they know you very well, of course ... and all that.'

'Do you imply...?'

'Oh, no, Bruce dear,' she answered hastily; 'of course I don't. But
really I think your people are charming'