"Oh, thanks," Arthur said, "I think I must be going."
"But you were going to say something," Austen urged, "and if you would tell me more, I might be able to help you, or give you advice at least."
Arthur glanced at him quickly. Then suddenly the idea seemed to amuse him, and coming back a step or two he said, with a smile, "Tell you more, Austen? Oh, I was only going to tell you what everyone knows, that I've turned out a bad lot, that's all."
"I'm sorry to hear that," said Austen, in a rather shocked voice; "I hope it's not so bad."
Arthur smiled pleasantly. "Oh well, you know, it is pretty bad, I'm afraid."
"But what do you mean, Lestrange?"
"What do I mean? Oh, all the usual things—bad company, gambling, and women."
Austen looked still more shocked. "But surely you could change if you wanted to!"
"I suppose I might, if I wanted to," Arthur said, playing with his riding whip. "But I'm afraid I don't want to. What's the good?"
"What's the good?" Austen repeated. "I don't see how you can ask such a question; if what you say is true, you ought to want to change."