“Or anything else,” said Jack. “Though of course we may slay you in the scullery if you say a word against us.”
“I’m not going to be so indiscreet,” said Somers.
“Leave the indiscretion to us. We believe in it. Indiscretion is the better part of valour. You agree, Kangaroo?” said Jack, smiling over his plate directly at his host.
“I don’t think I’d care to see you turn discreet, boy,” returned the other. “Though your quotation isn’t new.”
“Even a crystal-gazer can’t gaze to the bottom of a deep well, eh? Never mind, I’m as shallow as a pie-dish, and proud of it. Red, please.” This to the Chink.
“That’s why it’s so nice knowing you,” said Kangaroo.
“And you, of course, are a glass finger-bowl with a violet floating on it, you’re so transparent,” said Jack.
“I think that describes me beautifully. Mr Somers, help yourself to wine, that’s the most comfortable. I hope you are going to write something for us. Australia is waiting for her Homer—or her Theocritus.”
“Or even her Ally Sloper,” said Jack, “if I may be permitted to be so old-fashioned.”
“If I were but blind,” said Somers, “I might have a shot at Australian Homerics.”