Why should you not speak of what will
be in all the papers. Yes, father, I have bought a very fine specimen,
the finest known, or at least Woodden has on my behalf, while I was
hunting for you, which comes to the same thing."
"Indeed, Stephen, and what did you pay for this flower? I have heard a
figure, but think that there must be some mistake."
"I don't know what you heard, father, but it seems to have been
knocked down to me at ?2,300. It's a lot more than I can find, indeed,
and I was going to ask you to lend me the money for the sake of the
family credit, if not for my own. But we can talk about that
afterwards."
"Yes, Stephen, we can talk of that afterwards. In fact, as there is no
time like the present, we will talk of it now. Come to my office. And,
sir" (this was to me) "as you seem to know something of the
circumstances, I will ask you to come also; and you too, Blockhead"
(this was to Woodden, who just then approached with the plant).
Now, of course, I might have refused an invitation conveyed in such a
manner.
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