"Pleasure!" said Merefleet, giving way with abrupt bitterness. "No. There's not much pleasure in unearthing skeletons. That's what I'm doing."
The beautiful eyes opposite opened wide. She was silent for a moment. Then, "Think you're wise?" she enquired casually.
"No," said Merefleet roughly. "I'm a fool."
She nodded acquiescence. "That's so, I daresay," she said. "I was afraid you were sick."
"So I am," he said. "Sick of life—sick of everything."
"I guess you want some medicine," she said seriously.
Merefleet laughed suddenly. "Something strong and deadly, eh?" he said.
She shook her head. "Tell me what you like best in the world!" she said.
Merefleet reflected.
"You must know," she insisted briskly. "Is it a woman?"