“I have just passed a week at Oxford among the Reverends; all things considered, I prefer the Capuchins. When you have dined with a lord bishop, you want to become a socialist.”
“Your Oxford friends are very nice people, Sarah.”
“Excellent people, Elizabeth, quite superior people, and they are all sure not only of going to heaven, but also of joining the very best society the place affords.”
“Best society!” said Ulfar, pettishly. “I am going to America. There, I hope, I shall hear nothing about it.”
“America is so truly admirable. Why was it put in such an out-of-the-way place? You have to sail three thousand miles to get to it,” pouted Sarah.
“All things worth having are put out of the way,” replied Ulfar.
“Yes,” sighed Sarah. “What an admirable story is that of the serpent and the apple!”
“Come, Ulfar!” said Lady Redware, “do try to be agreeable. You used to be so delightful! Was he not, Sarah?”
“Was he? I have forgotten, Elizabeth. Since that time a great deal of water has run into the sea.”