"I'll compromise on an hour," said Canning. "And what hideous foibles did the visitor charge you with to banish me that long?"
"With being quite heartless."
"Oh."
"With having nothing inside to be kind with. For these reasons he felt quite sorry for me."
"Ah! Is it possible that you could remember my suggesting, just a thought before him--"
"I do remember. But, you see, this man is quite crazy. I suspected it then, but I know it now, for you said so not five minutes ago."
Canning looked at her.
"Your words," said Carlisle, "were that he was off his chump at all points. I hope mamma isn't listening, for she doesn't like me to use slang, and will not believe me when I say the men teach it to me."
"Oh!... Was that Vivian!"
Carlisle nodded. "It makes it all quite interesting, doesn't it? To be felt sorry for by a man who writes really wicked attacks on one's father's perfectly lovely business. Only I knew all along he wasn't really quite right.... I hope you've had a very happy trip?"