“I wish,” said Mr. Korner, as he passed his empty cup, “you would not say things you do not mean. Anyone hearing you—”
“If there's one thing makes me more angry than another,” said Mrs. Korner, “it is being told I say things that I do not mean.”
“Why say them then?” suggested Mr. Korner.
“I don't. I do—I mean I do mean them,” explained Mrs. Korner.
“You can hardly mean, my dear,” persisted her husband, “that you really think I should be all the better for getting drunk—even occasionally.”
“I didn't say drunk; I said 'going it.'”
“But I do 'go it' in moderation,” pleaded Mr. Korner, “'Moderation in all things,' that is my motto.”
“I know it,” returned Mrs. Korner.
“A little of everything and nothing—” this time Mr. Korner interrupted himself. “I fear,” said Mr. Korner, rising, “we must postpone the further discussion of this interesting topic. If you would not mind stepping out with me into the passage, dear, there are one or two little matters connected with the house—”
Host and hostess squeezed past the visitor and closed the door behind them. The visitor continued eating.