“So I have found,” said Peter gravely.
Lispenard laughed heartily, as he sipped his “Court France.” “I wish,” he said, “that a lot of people, whose lives are given to nothing else, could have heard you say that, in that tone of voice. You don’t spell Society with a capital, do you?”
“Possibly,” said Peter, “if I had more capital, I should use some on society.”
“Good,” said Lispenard. “Heavens,” he said to himself, “he’s made a joke! Cousin Anneke will never believe it.”
He told her the next day, and his statement proved correct.
“I know you made the joke,” she said. “He didn’t.”
“And why shouldn’t he joke as well as I?”
“It doesn’t suit him.”
“Why not?”
“Parlor tricks are all right in a lap-dog, but they only belittle a mastiff.”