Which reminds me that—"
"David, how can you make me laugh at our reverend ancestor in this way? I'm ashamed of you."
"Only let me tell you this one fact—very interesting, you'll allow—that I saw a silken gown hanging up in the kitchen at Rose Cottage. Now, though Mrs. Tod is a decent, comely woman, I don't think it belonged to her."
"She may have lodgers."
"I think she said she had—an old gentleman—but HE wouldn't wear a silken gown."
"His wife might. Now, do go on reading."
"Certainly; I only wish to draw a parallel between Thyrsis and ourselves in our future summer life at Enderley. So the old gentleman's wife may appropriate the 'silken pride,' while we emulate the shepherd.
'His lambs' warm fleece well fits his little need—'
I wear a tolerably good coat now, don't I, Phineas?"
"You are incorrigible."