Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/90

 "Welcome 'ome, my lord," said Nubbins cordially, and as the ancient used the title in every sentence he spoke, it will be omitted in recording his conversation.

"Good evening, Mr. Nubbins; how are you? You seem to be the only one of us who never grows older."

"I be main old, and I've lived to see great improvements in my time, please God! I never expected to live long enough to see so grand a house as that put up in Stranleigh village."

"Neither did I," replied the young man grimly.

"It be wonderful what rich men do for us in these days," continued Nubbins.

"It is indeed. I understand you asked for the library."

"Yes; but the idea would never have come to me. I be too old and stupid."

"You do yourself an injustice, Mr. Nubbins. You are old, and very, very wise, and I rejoice to hear that the scheme originated with some one else. Who was that brilliant person?" "We had public meetings; two or three on 'em. All was in favour."

"I daresay," concurred Stranleigh. "I've yet to hear of a public meeting that's not in favour of