"Of course it didn't. Standing up for one's friends rarely does much good, except to satisfy one's own sense of loyalty."
"Why, what do you mean? Why doesn't it do any good to defend our friends?"
"Because if they need our defence, they're probably at fault."
"But they weren't in this case. It was the Blaneys,—do you know them?"
"Those mercerised personages I met at Mona's wedding? I haven't the pleasure of their intimate acquaintance, and something tells me I never shall have."
"You mean you don't want it!"
"Mind reader! Patty, you're positively clairvoyant!"
"Now, Little Billee, don't you go back on me, too."
"Go back on you? Never! While this machine is to me! Why, Patty, I'd defend you to the last ditch, and then fill in the ditch!"
"Be serious, Billee. You don't know those people, but can't you take my word for it that they're splendidly worth while? They're geniuses, and artists."