"What everybody knows is generally—scandal."
"This was certainly scandal; but it wasn't the fact that everybody knew it that made it so."
"Then I'm sure you wouldn't wish to repeat it."
"I don't see why you should be sure of anything of the kind. I consider it my duty to repeat it."
"Then you won't be surprised if I consider it mine to contradict it."
"Certainly not. I shouldn't be surprised at anything you could do, Derek, after what I've heard since I came home."
"I won't ask you what that is—"
"No; your own conscience must tell you. No one can go on as you've been doing, and not know he must be talked about."
"I've always understood that that was more flattering than to be ignored."
"It depends. There's such a thing as receiving that sort of flattery first, only to be ignored in the sequel. I speak as your friend, Derek—"