Image Attribution: Published by R.F. Fenno & Co, New York, 1896 (Public domain)
"How have you felt, father?"
"Nothing to complain of."
His pronunciation fell short of refinement, but was not vulgar. Something of country accent could still be detected in it. He talked like a man who could strike a softer note if he cared to, but despises the effort.
"I suppose you will have a rest to-morrow?"
"I suppose so. If your grandmother had lived," he added thoughtfully, "she would have been eighty-four this week on Thursday."
"The 23rd of June. Yes, I remember."
Mr. Lord swallowed his tea at two draughts, and put down the cup. Seemingly refreshed, he looked about him with a half smile, and said quietly:
"I’ve had the pleasure of punishing a scoundrel to-day. That’s worth more than the Jubilee."
Nancy waited for an explanation, but it was not vouchsafed.
"A scoundrel?" she asked.
