“It’s just me—which I perceive is the formula here,” cried Eddy. “I’ve no right to invite you to sit down, as this is your own place; but I can recommend that ling bush. It’s dry, and there is no gorse about to prick into your vitals. Are you in a hurry, or can you wait a bit here.”
“Oh, I am in no hurry,” said Archie. “It’s not easy to be in a hurry when you’ve got nothing to do.”
“Do you think so? I’m always in a hurry and always late—though I have nothing to do.”
“I suppose it’s according to a man’s nature,” said Archie.
“Everything is that if you go to the bottom of things. You’re one of the restless fellows that want to be doing—I don’t. I love idleness,” said Eddy, stretching himself back over the ling, with his arms extended over his head and his eyes on the sky. The sky was covered with clouds, yet there was a break of blue just over Eddy’s head, which he regarded complacently as if it had been made for his special use.
“I was surprised to see you up so far—it’s a good climb from the loch side.”
“So it is;” said Eddy, “it was not for want of something to do. So long as there’s a billiard table handy, thank heaven, you never need be without occupation. If there’s nobody to have a game with, you can at least be improving your own play.”
“I did not think of that,” said Archie.
“No, for you don’t appreciate billiards,” cried the other, “which is a pity, for it’s a fine game. I say, Rowland, when are we to have another day’s shooting? This ball takes up a lot of time; but I hope you’ll take me out on the hills at least one day again before I go?”
“When you like,” Archie said shortly.