“Her absence of judgment,” said Jim, coolly, “or her absence of maturity?”
“I have observed her absence of maturity,” said Cheriton, with a coolness in nowise behind the coolness of Jim.
“In my opinion,” said Jim, “she is too young to be the mother of a great hulking fellow like me.”
“I am inclined to agree with you, Lascelles,” said my lord, with his courtier’s air. “But in my humble judgment it is a pleasant folly for a mother to err on the side of youth.”
“It is a form of indiscretion not without its dangers,” said Jim.
“Yes, my dear Lascelles, you are undoubtedly right there.”
“This spotted cake with the almonds in it is awfully nice,” said Miss Perry.
“The confection with the pink icing and the sugar-plums is generally admired at Balham,” said Jim.
“I will try some,” said Miss Perry. “Quite a small piece, please. I think pink icing is so nice; don’t you?”
“I do,” said Jim, cutting a liberal piece for two persons.