Few sights in this world are more inspiring than that of a great thinker actually engaged in thought: and yet George Finch, watching his friend, chafed. He had a perhaps forgivable craving for quick results: and Hamilton Beamish, though impressive, did not seem to be getting anywhere.
"Have you thought of anything?" he asked, as the other came round for the third time.
Hamilton Beamish held up a hand in silent reproof, and resumed his pacing. Presently he stopped.
"Yes?" said George.
"With regard to this engagement...."
"It wasn't an engagement. It was an understanding."
"With regard to this understanding or engagement, the weak spot in your line of defence is undoubtedly the fact that it was you who broke it off."
"But I didn't break it off."
"I used the wrong expression. I should have said that it was you who took the initiative. You left East Gilead and came to New York. Therefore, technically, you deserted this girl."
"I wish you wouldn't say things like that. Can't you understand that it was just one of those boy and girl affairs which come to an end of themselves?"