'To _you_ I know they are,' said he. 'It's all very well for you. They are
awfully fond of _you_. You and my mother can talk about Archie and his
nurse and housekeeping and fashions, and it's very jolly for you, but
where's the fun for a man of the world?'

'Your father--' began Edith.

'My father!' Bruce took a turn round the room. 'I don't mind telling
you, Edith, I don't consider my father a man of the world. Why, good
heavens! when we are alone together, what do you suppose he talks about?
He complains! Finds fault, if you please! Says I don't work--makes out
I'm extravagant! Have _you_ ever found me extravagant?'

'No, indeed. I'm sure you've never been extravagant--to _me_.'

'He's not on my level intellectually in any way. I doubt very much if
he's capable of understanding me at all. Still, I suppose we might as
well go and get it over. My people's dinners are a most awful bore
to me.'

'How would you like it,' said Edith gently, 'if some day Archie were to
call us my people, and talk about us as you do of yours?'

'Archie!' shouted Bruce. 'Good heavens! Archie!' Bruce held out his arm
with a magnificent gesture. 'If Archie ever treats me with any want of
proper deference, I shall cut him off with a shilling!'

'Do give me the shilling for him now,' said Edith laughing.