‘So much the better for people living together.’
‘Well, I was thinking that you and I are a great deal more intimate and confidential when we meet now, than we used to be when we were always together.’
‘People can’t be often confidential from the innermost when they live together,’ said Maurice.
‘Since I have been a Kendal, such has been my experience.’
‘It was the same before, only we concealed it by an upper surface of chatter,’ said Maurice. ‘“As iron sharpeneth iron, so doth a man the countenance of his friend;” but if the mutual sharpening went on without intermission, both irons would wear away, and no work would be done. Aren’t you coming with me? Edmund is going to drive me to Woodside to meet the pony-carriage from home.’
‘I wish I could; but you see what happens when I go out pleasuring!’
‘Well, you can take one element of mischief with you—that imp, Maurice.’
‘Ye—es. Papa would like it, if you do.’
‘I should like you to come on worse terms.’
‘Very well, then; and Sophy is safe; I had already asked Genevieve to come and read to her this afternoon. If Gilbert can spare me, I will go.’