“You don’t think she’s a woman to marry, all the same,” Waterville returned. “And if a man were to try to corner you on it you might knock him down, but it wouldn’t be an answer.”
“It would have to serve,” said Littlemore. “There are cases where a man must lie nobly,” he added.
Waterville looked grave. “What cases?”
“Well, where a woman’s honour’s at stake.”
“I see what you mean. That’s of course if he has been himself concerned with her.”
“Himself or another. It doesn’t matter.”
“I think it does matter. I don’t like false swearing,” said Waterville. “It’s a delicate question.”
They were interrupted by the arrival of the servant with a second course, and Littlemore gave a laugh as he helped himself. “It would be a lark to see her married to that superior being!”
“It would be a great responsibility.”
“Responsibility or not, it would be very amusing.”