pause. Mrs. Hignett, who was not fond of young men and disliked having her mornings broken into, was thinking that he had not improved in the slightest degree since their last meeting; and Sam, who imagined that he had long since grown to man’s estate and put off childish things, was embarrassed to discover that his aunt still affected him as of old. That is to say, she made him feel as if he had omitted to shave and, in addition to that, had swallowed some drug which had caused him to swell unpleasantly, particularly about the hands and feet. 

 “Jolly morning,” said Sam, perseveringly. 

 “So I imagine. I have not yet been out.” 

 “Thought I’d look in and see how you were.” 

 “That was very kind of you. The morning is my busy time, but ... yes, that was very kind of you!” 

 There was another pause. 

 “How do you like America?” said Sam. 

 “I dislike it exceedingly.” 

 “Yes? Well, of course, some people do. Prohibition and all that. Personally, it doesn’t affect me. I can take it or leave it alone. I like America myself,” said Sam. “I’ve had a wonderful time. Everybody’s treated me like a rich uncle. I’ve been in Detroit, you know, and they practically gave me the city and asked me if I’d like another to take home in my pocket. Never saw anything like it. I might have been the missing heir! I think America’s the greatest invention on record.” 

 “And what brought you to America?” said Mrs. Hignett, unmoved by this rhapsody. 

 “Oh, I came over to play golf. In a tournament, you know.” 

 “Surely at your age,” said Mrs. Hignett, disapprovingly, “you could be better occupied. Do you spend your whole time playing golf?” 

 “Oh, no! I play cricket a bit and shoot a bit and I swim a good lot and I still play football occasionally.” 

 “I wonder your father does not insist on your doing some useful work.” 

 “He is beginning to harp on the subject rather. I suppose I shall take a stab at it sooner or later. Father says I ought to get 

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