Page:The Reverberator (2nd edition, American issue, London and New York, Macmillan & Co., 1888).djvu/104

94 Dosson returned, cheerfully. "Well now, let's see," he added, musing sociably. "Don't you expect to embrace any regular occupation?"

Probert looked at him, smiling. "Have you anything of that sort, sir?"

"Well, you have me there!" Mr. Dosson admitted, with a comprehensive sigh. "It doesn't seem as if I required anything, I'm looked after so well. The fact is the girls support me."

"I shall not expect Miss Francie to support me," said Gaston Probert.

"You're prepared to enable her to live in the style to which she's accustomed?" And Mr. Dosson turned a speculative eye upon him.

"Well, I don't think she will miss anything. That is, if she does she will find other things instead."

"I presume she'll miss Delia, and even me, a little."

"Oh, it's easy to prevent that," said Gaston Probert.

"Well, of course we shall be on hand. Continue to reside in Paris?" Mr. Dosson went on.

"I will live anywhere in the world she likes. Of course my people are here—that's a great tie. I am not without hope that it may—with time—become a reason for your daughter."

"Oh, any reason'll do where Paris is concerned. Take some lunch?" Mr. Dosson added, looking at his watch.