“I cannot explain it. I simply take no pleasure in life. Rich or poor, old or young, well or ill, I would still be as miserable as I am now.”
“Hum! Let us look at the question from three points of view—comprehensive points. The legal, the medicinal, the religious. One of these, if properly applied, will surely solve the enigma.”
“I doubt it.”
“Ah, that is because you have made up your mind to doubt. ‘None so blind as those who won’t see.’”
“Who is quoting proverbs now, Mr. Carriston?”
“I am, sir, even I who dislike such arid chips of wisdom[wisdom]; but ’tis an excellent proverb, which has borne the wear and tear of centuries. Come now, Maurice, are you in any trouble connected with money? are you involved in any law-suit, or—or—well,” said the Rector, delicately eying his glass, “I hardly know how to put it,—er—er—are you involved in any love affair?”
“No; my worldly position is all right, and I am not mixed up in any feminine trouble.”
“Good! that settles the legal point. Now for the medical. Your liver must be out of order.”
“I assure you, sir, I never felt better in my life.”
Mr. Carriston’s face now assumed a grave expression as he put the last question to his host.