it a little distance away from her.Ivegot a new suit to pick up from Hamiltons today.Illbe interested to see it. She turned and looked over her shoulder.Pearl? Im afraid Im quite tired out. Pearl came forwardto help Mother out of her chair. Ive very much enjoyed talkingwith you, Henry.Me,too, Henry assured her. Hed never imagined he might have such aconversationfrank, interesting, confessionalwith either of hisparents. Might his mother actually be a person worth knowing? She wasa lousy mother, to be sure, but she might have other merits afterall.Hesaid nothing to Martin until they were outside, headed for theomnibus stop.Didyou expect to ever hear anything like that from my mother? heasked.Martinlaughed, a short bark. Goodness no, Sir. I think she said morethis morning than shes said the entire time Ive lived withyou.Itwasnt entirely new information, Henry said, but it filled inthe details a bit.Ifyou dont mind my saying so, Sir, I dont think she likes yourfather particularly well, but she does seem to respect him.Idont think anyone can help but respect him, Henry said.Everything hes done, everything hes accomplished... Henryknew that hed never match his fathers achievements. He couldnteven feel bad about it; no one could match his fathersaccomplishments. But hes not really a gentleman, I guess. Hesonly disguised as a gentleman.Martinlaughed, liking this idea. Your father really is like someone froma story, isnt he, Sir? Hes a self-made success like CaptainDrake.Fatherwas like Theo in that way, Henry supposed. However, he did not quitewish to equate his intimidating father with the main actor from hiserotic fantasies. But all he said was, Hes had adventures, Iguess.Theomnibus pulled up and they boarded. Philip van Houten was alreadyaboard, with Davey standing in the aisle at his side. Even thoughPhilip was not Henrys favorite person, and he knew Martin feltlikewise about Davey, he smiled nonetheless and went to sit besidePhilip and chatted until they reached their stop; Philip wascontinuing downtown to go to the arcade. They disembarked in front ofHamiltons and waved at Philip and Davey as the omnibus pulledaway.Ourleast-favorites, Henry remarked.Notquite, Sir, Martin corrected. Id rather be stuck with Daveythan Alex.Whatis it with you and him, anyway?Martingrimaced. Hes horrid, Sir, thats what. His personality, hisideas, the way he talks...it all just rubs me the wrong way. Theressomething off about him.Andhe thinks youre stuck-up. Henry stopped in front of Hamilton &Sons door and Martin hurried to open it for him.Ithink Im better than him,Sir, Martin admitted. If that means Im stuck-up, then Imstuck-up.Prescottcame to greet them. Mr. Blackwell, Martin. Good morning. Would youcare for some coffee, Mr. Blackwell?Yes,please, for both of us.Prescottgave a nod to someone behind Henrys back and gestured for them tofollow him. Weve got your fitting room prepared, if youlljust come this way, Mr. Blackwell.Thenew suit was hanging on a valet stand and the tailor stood ready withchalk and pins, though this was really just for show. Nothing Henryhad ever had made at Hamiltons had needed alteration after thefirst fitting.Martinhung their coats while Prescott showed Henry shirting samples,stripes that might go well with the plaid.Iunderstand that Timothy wants me to order any new shirts