“No; certainly. That is not the reason. Your being invited would have made no difference.”
“I could hardly have gone without you,” said Rose, doubtfully.
“Certainly not. Neither of us would have gone. If I don’t accept this invitation our acquaintance with the Roxburys will perhaps go no further. That would be a sufficient reason for my refusal, if there were no others.”
“A sufficient reason for not refusing, I should rather say,” said Rose.
“No. There is no good reason for keeping up an acquaintance with so many people. There is no pleasure in it; and it is a great waste of time and strength, and money too, for that matter.”
“But Arthur wishes it. He thinks it right.”
“Yes, to a certain extent, perhaps, but not at too great a cost. I don’t mean of money, though in our circumstances that is something, too. But so much going out has been at a great sacrifice of time and comfort to us all. I am tired of it. We won’t speak of it now, however; I must finish my letter.” For to tell the truth, Rosie’s face did not look promising.
“Don’t send a refusal till you have spoken to Arthur, Graeme. If he wishes you to go, you ought, you know.”
“I am by no means sure of that. Arthur does not very often go to these large parties himself. He does not enjoy them, and I see no reason why I should deny myself, in so bad a cause.”
“But Graeme, you have enjoyed some of them, at least. I am sure I have always enjoyed them.”