“You have a nice taste in pictures, John,” she said. “That is a Corot, surely, above the mantelpiece?”
“Will you——”
“But about this little matter. You dislike the idea of Ruth marrying Mr. Winfield? Have you seen Mr. Winfield?”
“I have not.”
“Then how can you possibly decide whether he is a fit husband for Ruth?”
“I know all about him.”
“What do you know?”
“What Ruth has told me. That he is a loafer who pretends to be an artist.”
“He is a poor artist. I grant you that. His drawing is weak. But are you aware that he is forty-three inches round the chest, six feet tall, and in perfect physical condition?”
“What has that got to do with it?”