As for Uncle Hobson, his conduct was characterised by a
timidity which one would scarcely have expected from a gentleman of his
florid, jolly countenance, active habits, and generally manly demeanour.
He kept away from the cocoa-nut feast, as we have seen: he protested
privily to the Colonel that his private goodwill continued undiminished
but he was deeply grieved at the B. B. C. affair, which took place while
he was on the Continent--confound the Continent, my wife would go--and
which was entirely without his cognisance. The Colonel received his
brother's excuses, first with awful bows and ceremony, and finally with
laughter. "My good Hobson," said he, with the most insufferable kindness,
"of course you intended to be friendly; of course the affair was done
without your knowledge. We understand that sort of thing. London bankers
have no hearts--for these last fifty years past that I have known you and
your brother, and my amiable nephew, the present commanding officer, has
there been anything in your conduct that has led me to suppose you had?"
and herewith Colonel Newcome burst out into a laugh.
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