"Really," he said, "we all care for the Apollo Belvidere and the Venus of Milo because it tickles our vanity to view the physical perfection of the race to which we belong; it is our own possibilities of anguish that we pity in the Laocoon and the Niobe; it is"—
"Oh, come, Fenton," interrupted Rangely; "we all know that you can be more deliciously wrongheaded than any other live man, but you can't expect us to sit quietly by while you abuse art."
"That is more absolute Philistinism," put in Hubbard, "than anything I have heard from Mr. Irons even."
"Oh; Philistinism," was Fenton's rejoinder, "is not nearly so bad as the inanities that are talked about it."
"That sounds like a personal thrust at Mr. Hubbard," Kent observed; and as Arthur disclaimed any intention of making it so, Mrs. Fenton gave the signal for rising.
XXVI
O, WICKED WIT AND GIFT.
Hamlet; i.—5.
It was fortunate for Fenton's plans that most of his guests had early engagements that evening, and by nine o'clock he was able to leave the house with Rangely to take his way to the meeting of the Club. As they came out of the house, Thayer Kent was just saying good-by to Miss Mott after putting her into her carriage. Fenton's fear lest he should be too late for the business meeting had made him follow rather closely in the steps of his departing guests, and he and Rangely were just in time to hear Ethel say,—
"But I am going that way and I will drop you at the club."
Kent hesitated an instant, and then followed her into the carriage.
Fenton laughed as they drove away.