'Everybody can't write novels.'
'Oh yes, they can.'
'Is that the reason why you advise me to write one?
'Not exactly. Did you ever try to write a story?'
'No, not since I was at school. I used to write stories there, and read them to the girls, and . . .'
'And what?'
'Oh, nothing; it seems so absurd of me to talk to you about such things; you will only laugh at me just as you did at Mr. Adair.'
'No, I assure you, I am very loyal to my friends.'
'Friends!'
'I should have thought that friendship was a question of sympathy, and not one of time: but I will withdraw the word.'