CHAPTER XIII
THE ORANGES
Bullstone's monument of madness was nearly completed.
One day he met Adam Winter talking to Margery and Avis, as he returned from Owley Farm to dinner, and anon, in the kennels, Avis asked the meaning of words that Mr. Winter had spoken to her mother.
"He said some people have to take their pleasure like a dog snatches a bone—with an eye on the whip—father. What's that signify?"
"Who was he speaking about?"
"I don't know. He said it to mother, and she laughed and told him that pleasure took that way would be half pain."
"It means—it means—nothing at all. Just a way of speaking. Hungry dogs will steal bones—and whips will find 'em, soon or late. And all pleasure's half pain when you grow up. The thing is to be young, like you, Avis. Then pleasure's real I hope."
"Would you like for me to marry Bob Elvin, father?"
"Would you like to?"