"What do you think, Corrie?"
"I think not, but what man can be sure? I have been sore beset since we last talked together."
"We have been rowing in the same boat, then."
"You have met with misfortunes, too! Have they soured you?"
"They have brought sorrow and doubt in their train, but, there is sweetness still in the world. This meeting is a proof."
"You live high up, and the house is the house of poor people. Birds of a feather flock together. Perhaps, after all, I had best go away."
"If you attempt it I shall assault you. Corrie, old friend, you have dropped upon me like a messenger from Heaven. Here is the candle at last. Now we can have a good look at each other."
They gazed in silence for a few moments, and Basil was grieved to see old Corrie in rags. Beneath the bluff honesty of his face there were undeniable marks of privation, but despite these signs there was a gleam of humour still in his eyes.
"Well, Master Basil?" said he presently.
"I am truly sorry, dear old friend," said Basil, holding out his hand. "You have had some hard knocks."