Page:The Unspeakable Gentleman (IA unspeakablegent00marq).pdf/90

 Brutus lifted one of the candlesticks, grinned at me, and nodded.

"A very good night to you, Henry," said my father tranquilly.

I bowed to him with courtesy which perhaps was intuitive.

"Be sure," I told him, "to keep your door locked, father."

"Pray do not worry," he replied. "I have thought out each phase of my visit here too long for ode untoward to happen. Until morning, Henry."

"I am not worrying," I rejoined. "Merely" warning you—pardon my incivility, father—but I might grow tired watching you be a bad example. Did you consider that in your plans?"

My father yawned, and placed his feet nearer the coals.

"That is better," he said, "much better, my son. Now you are speaking like a gentleman. I had begun to fear for you. It has seemed to me you were almost narrow-minded. Never be that. Nothing is more annoying."

I drew myself up to my full height.

"Sir" I began.

He slapped his hand on the table with an exclamation of disgust.