'A splendid woman—brains, brains! Upon my soul, I know no such delight as listening to a really intellectual woman, when she's also beautiful. I shake with delight—and what women one does meet, nowadays! Of course the world never saw their like. I have my idea of Aspasia—but there are lots of grander women in London to-day. One ought to live among the rich. What a wretched mistake, when one can help it, to herd with narrow foreheads, however laudable your motive! Since I got back among the better people my life has been trebled—oh, centupled—in value!'
'My boy,' remarked Munden quietly, 'didn't I say something to this effect on a certain day nine years ago?'
'Don't talk of it,' the other replied, waving his hand in agitation. 'We'll never look back at that.'
'Your room is stuffy,' said Munden, rising. 'Let us go and have lunch somewhere.'
'Yes, we will! Just a moment to wash my hands—I've been in the dissecting-room.'
The friends went downstairs. At the foot they passed the landlady's daughter: she drew back, but, as Shergold allowed his companion to pass into the street, her voice made itself heard behind him.
'Shall you want tea, Mr. Shergold?'
Munden turned sharply and looked at the girl. Shergold did not look at her, but he delayed for a moment and appeared to balance the question. Then, in a friendly voice, he said—
'No, thank you. I may not be back till late in the evening.' And he went on hurriedly.
'Cheeky little beggar that,' Munden observed, with a glance at his friend.