Van der Welcke looked up:
"I wasn't thinking of it for a second."
"Really? I heard that you meant to, or rather that it was your wife's intention."
"I haven't exchanged a single word on the subject with my wife."
Van Vreeswijck took Van der Welcke's arm: "Really? Well, to tell you the truth, I could not quite understand it."
"Why not?" asked Van der Welcke, promptly taking offence.
"Look here, old fellow: I can speak to you frankly, can't I, as an old friend? But, if you're touchy ... then we'll avoid intimate matters."
"Not at all: what were you going to say?"
"Nothing that you won't see for yourself, if you think for a moment. But, if the whole question of getting presented at Court doesn't exist with you and your wife, then don't let me bring it up at all."
"No, no!" said Van der Welcke, becoming interested. "Don't beat about the bush; say what you meant to say."