"I am glad to hear it," said I, "for I have some bad News."
"What's that?" said he.
"Our dear Friend Dr. Elwes is dead;" and I put the Corner of my Apron to my Eyes.
"Well,—I am sorry to hear it," resumes he, after a Pause; "he was not, I fear, a very thoughtful Man."
"A very good Man," said I, warming.
"A very kindly, attentive Man in a Sick-room," says he, "and a pleasant Companion, which is all I know about him."
"We knew a good Deal more," said I, "and know that his Loss won't be soon supplied. We shall miss him very much. He was truly benevolent, whatever you may think."
"I don't deny it, I assure you," said he, looking surprised at my Heat, "I only wished there had been a more Christian Basis for his many good Qualities."
"It is not very Christian, I think, to depreciate them, especially at a Time like this."