Again there was a space of silence. And again it was Aaron who at last broke it.
“We're in different positions, you and me,” he said.
“How?”
“You can live by your writing—but I've got to have a job.”
“Is that all?” said Lilly.
“Ay. And plenty. You've got the advantage of me.”
“Quite,” said Lilly. “But why? I was a dirty-nosed little boy when you were a clean-nosed little boy. And I always had more patches on my breeches than you: neat patches, too, my poor mother! So what's the good of talking about advantages? You had the start. And at this very moment you could buy me up, lock, stock, and barrel. So don't feel hard done by. It's a lie.”
“You've got your freedom.”
“I make it and I take it.”
“Circumstances make it for you.”