'We all do. It means we have a sense of proportion—the mental suppleness that is capable of the ironic view; an eye that can look right as well as left.'
She nodded. 'When you wrote to me once, "My dear Ironist," I—yes—I felt rather superior. I'm conscious now that it's been a piece of hidden, intellectual pride with me that I could smile at most things.'
'Well, do you mean to forswear pride? For you can't live without smiling.'
'I've seen something to-day that I don't feel I want to smile at. And yet to you it's the most ludicrous spectacle in London.'
'This is all very mysterious.' He turned his long, whimsical face on one side as he settled himself more comfortably against the cushion.
'You heard why I was late?' she said.
'I took the liberty of doubting the reason you gave!'
'You mustn't. It wasn't even my first offence.'
'You must find time hang very heavy on your hands.'