"Including that," answered Stafford, with a smile.
"I don't see what more you want," said Sir Roderick, with an air of finality.
Stafford felt himself, against his will, growing more cheerful. In fact, it was a pleasure to him to exercise his brains once again, instead of being the slave of his emotions. Ayre had anticipated such a result from their conversation.
"Everything more," he said. "Personal holiness is at the bottom of it all."
"The best thing, I dare say." Ayre conceded. "But indispensable? Besides, you have it."
"Never again."
"Yes, I say—in all essentials."
"I can't do it. Ah, Ayre! it's all empty to me now."
"For God's sake, be a man! Is there nothing on earth to be but a saint or a husband?"
Stafford looked at him inquiringly.