"Not at all, sir—not at all," returned Bellew solemnly, "the moon is very nearly at the full, you will perceive."
"Well, sir,—and what of that?"
"When the moon is at the full, or nearly so, I generally dig, sir,—that is to say, circumstances permitting."
"Really," said Mr. Cassilis beginning to caress his moustache, "it seems to me that you have very—ah—peculiar tastes, Mr. Bellew."
"That is because you have probably never experienced the fierce joys of moon-light digging, sir."
"No, Mr. Bellew,—digging—as a recreation, has never appealed to me at any time."
"Then sir," said Bellew, shaking his head, "permit me to tell you that you have missed a great deal. Had I the time, I should be delighted to explain to you exactly how much, as it is—allow me to wish you a very good evening."
Mr. Cassilis smiled, and his teeth seemed to gleam whiter, and sharper than ever in the moon-light:
"Wouldn't it be rather more apropos if you said—'Good-bye' Mr. Bellew?" he enquired. "You are leaving Dapplemere, shortly, I understand,—aren't you?"
"Why sir," returned Bellew, grave, and imperturbable as ever,—"it all depends."