“Could it be done on five thousand pounds?”

“Well, I should think so, indeed!”

“Very good. I think you will sign me a check for that, and I will see that it comes to Mrs. Maberley. You owe her a little change of air. Meantime, lady”⁠—he wagged a cautionary forefinger⁠—“have a care! Have a care! You can’t play with edged tools forever without cutting those dainty hands.”