"Well, Peter, you have my permission; take care of yourself. Remember you have given hostages to fortune," I replied.
"It is too bad of you to be always reminding me that I am married, as if that fact is not ever patent to me; just as if a certain young lady would permit me to forget it."
"I would not have mentioned the pleasant bond, you may be assured, without a good reason."
"Stuff and nonsense! What reason?"
"You have not been so long married, and already I begin to notice a return of some of your former levity. You have commenced to give back with interest the glances of a pretty girl as of yore. What was that you were whispering to the brunette you met at Regent Circus last Friday—no appointment? Fie, Peter, what would your charming little woman say?"
"She would go mad with jealousy. She is bad enough as it is."
"She loves you immensely, Peter, and you ought to prize such affection. I hope you will enjoy yourselves."
"But I am not taking Clara with me."
My reply was not delivered in words, it was whistled. This form of answer evidently did not please Peter.