“I have never thought it worth while to consider the matter,” replied Fielding.
This was not encouraging, but Mr Brooke said in a thoughtful voice: “I am inclined to think that that point of view is extraordinarily indicative of the spirit of the age.”
“I shouldn't be at all surprised,” said Fielding.
“I am afraid,” said Mr Brooke, starting a fresh topic, “that dear old Guy feels all this very much.”
“It is hardly surprising that he should.”
Mr Brooke put his head on one side. “One is inclined to ascribe it more to an inherently artistic temperament though, than to any profound feeling of sorrow in his uncle's death.”
“I daresay.”
“After all, old Matthews was a pretty good stinker, wasn't he?” said Mr Brooke, momentarily abandoning his affectations.
The doctor made no reply to this, and after a slight pause, Mr Brooke suddenly remarked: “There is a woman here whose setting should be a mixture of horsehair and tubular steel.”
“What?”