'Haven't you ever felt a sort of uneasy shame when you have heard of another acquaintance taking up the pen?'
'Of course I have. I've felt the same when I've heard of someone being born.'
'Suppose I announced to you that I was writing a novel?'
'I am a philosopher, Bell.'
'Precisely. It would be disagreeable to me if I heard that Mr. Egremont was writing a novel. If he published anything very good, it wouldn't trouble one so much after the event. I don't see why he should write. I think he'd better continue to give half his day to something practical, and the other half to the pleasures of a man of culture. It will preserve his balance.'
'Bella mia, you are greatly disillusioned for a young girl.'
'I don't feel that the term is applicable to me. I am disillusioned, father, because I am getting reasonably old.'
'You live too much alone.'
'I prefer it.'
Mr. Newthorpe seemed to be turning over a thought.