"It must be a new experience for them," said Boreham.
"There are plenty of new experiences going," said Bingham.
"And you won't deny," said Boreham, smiling the smile of self-righteousness, as he tried to assume a calm bantering tone, "that experience—of life, I mean—is a bit lacking in Oxford?"
"It depends on what you mean," said Bingham, sweetly. "We haven't the experience of making money here. Also Oxford Dons are expected to go about with the motto 'Pereunt et imputantur' written upon our brows (see the sundial in my college), 'The hours pass and we must give an account of them.'"
Bingham always translated his Latin, however simple, for Boreham's benefit. Just now this angered Boreham.
"This motto," continued Bingham, "isn't for ornament but for an example. In short, my dear man, we avoid what I might call, for want of a more comprehensive term, the Pot-house Experience of life."
Boreham threw back his head.
"Well, you'll take the job, will you?" and Bingham released his arm.
"Can't you get one of those elderly ladies who frequent lectures during their lifetime to do the job?"
"We may be reduced to that," said Bingham, "but even they are busy. It's a nice job," he added enticingly.