'H'm! Yes. Precisely. So I inferred.'
It was with such ejaculations, rather sardonic in tone, I thought, that he listened to me as we walked.
'Well, what shall I do?' I said at length as we reached his gate.
'What will you do?' he echoed. 'Well, my friend, since you are an inspired ass, and a confirmed sentimentalist, I imagine you----'
'What would you advise in the circumstances, I mean?' I interpolated hurriedly.
'My advice. Oh, that's another matter altogether, and of absolutely no value.'
'But, on the contrary, you are older than I.'
'I am indeed--centuries.'
'And your advice should be very helpful to me.'
'So it should. But it won't be, because you won't follow it.'