"Why?" I asked.
"You will want to say good-bye to your friends, won't you, sir?"
"I think I have a remembrance of doing that, Simpson," I replied.
"You have a lot of friends here, haven't you? Excuse me for asking, sir."
"I have a lot of acquaintances, Simpson," I replied, "but only two friends—Bill Tremain and Tom Esmond. The rest don't count. I should not be surprised if they came to see me when I am in Cornwall—that is, if their wives will allow them. Have you ever reflected, Simpson, that marriage is a tremendous hindrance to friendship? Wives always make it difficult."
"Excuse me, sir, but what a pity it is you have not got a wife."
"I have never regarded the matter in that light, Simpson. Why do you say so?"
"Women always save a man from brooding. They never give him a chance of being quiet, sir," and Simpson shook his head impressively.
"You speak as one having authority. Have you ever been married?"
"Yes, sir," replied Simpson.