"But?'
"I grew-up with her," the other retorted with extraordinary intensity: "Jenny was always there, from five to seventeen and onwards. Let's face it: I'm not physically attracted by Jenny. Whereas you, it's plain, have gone completely overboard physically; and that's the main thing. Yes, I know!"
He held up a hand, forestalling objection. He dropped pipe and lighter into his pockets. The grey intelligent eyes regarded Martin as though they knew, or thought they knew, the whole universe.
"They tell us a lot of things about companionship and community of interests and so on. Well, old boy," he grinned, "let's wait until we're old enough to have to bother with such things. The glorious part of all this is that I've gone overboard too. I want to get married."
Martin's sense of relief, he thought, completely overshadowed that of his companion.
"Congratulations! And very hearty congratulations! Who is she?”
Richard went over and carefully closed the second-parlour door.
"Susan Harwood. She lives on the other side of Brayle: the town, not the Manor." A shadow, of worry crossed Richard's face, but his animation burst through it "By God," he breathed, "this is the most magnificent… shake hands!"
They shook hands, fervently.
"Look here," said Richard, "what would you like?"