“Yes; that was the sum fixed on.”
“Well, suppose we were to entertain the question now. What proposal are you prepared to make, Sir Within?”
“I am ready to repeat my former offer, Sir.”
“Made four years and five months ago?”
“Precisely,” said Sir Within, colouring deeply.
“Four years and a half, Sir Within, at your age or at mine, are a very considerable space of time.”
“I do not deny it, Sir; but I feel in the enjoyment of excellent health. I rise at the same hour, and eat my meals as heartily as I did then; with every regret for the inconvenience I’m occasioning, I still profess to believe that my chances of life are pretty much as they were.”
“Actuaries are the only people to entertain these points. Indeed, friends should not discuss them.”
“Our friendship has stood the test of very delicate details so beautifully this morning, that I see no reason why we should not take all the benefit we can get out of it.”
The fine sarcasm with which he spoke was thoroughly understood, though unnoticed, by the other, who went on: