"Why, to tell the truth,—no, really, it is too absurd. I have made a fool of myself."
He turned away, then turned back, and resumed:
"Why, it was only this, that Sheffield fancies I have some sneaking kindness for ... celibacy myself."
"Kindness for whom?" said Carlton.
"Kindness for celibacy."
There was a pause, and Carlton's face somewhat changed.
"Oh, my dear good fellow," he said kindly, "so you are one of them; but it will go off."
"Perhaps it will," said Charles: "oh, I am laying no stress upon it. It was Sheffield who made me mention it."
A real difference of mind and view had evidently been struck upon by two friends, very congenial and very fond of each other. There was a pause for a few seconds.
"You are so sensible a fellow, Reding," said Carlton, "it surprises me that you should take up this notion."