Stanny looked at Wilfred dubiously. Wilfred blushed again. What nonsense am I talking? he thought.
“He understands,” said Jasper, with a jerk of his head in Wilfred’s direction.
“Yes, I understand,” said Wilfred, a little breathlessly. “But I wouldn’t have had the nerve to carry it through, myself. I think it was fine!”
“Huh!” said Stanny. “You don’t know this idiot as well as I do. Works himself into a state of stupefaction. Then suddenly blows up, and doesn’t know what he’s doing. I don’t call that rational!”
“Oh well, reason isn’t everything!” said Wilfred grinning.
“Hear! Hear!” said Jasper.
Stanny’s irritation was only on the surface. He grinned back at Wilfred. “You shouldn’t encourage him!” he said with an affectionate glance at Jasper. “The old stove-in-bottom! You wouldn’t think he was capable of it, to look at him, would you?”
“I’m not bragging about it,” said Jasper with an aggrieved air. “I only told you how it was. I’m ashamed of myself now, I felt rotten about it all day.”
“If it had been me, I wouldn’t be ashamed,” murmured Wilfred.
“Anyhow, you’re no Joseph!” said Jasper to Stanny. “How about Myrtle?”