Reggie and I went away together. In the street he asked:
'Can I come in and see Violet?'
'Better not. At least not to-night. Just as well that you should sleep on it.'
'What do you mean by that?'
I considered a moment before I answered.
'You see, Reggie, we're all four of us playing the part of Don Quixote; Violet and you, Edith and I. I'm beginning to fear that we've been playing the part for years. It's all very well for us to talk of marrying the women of our hearts; but there are things to be considered. There are the women.'
'Would you have me throw Vi over?'
'The word's ill chosen. It ill becomes me to play the part of mentor after the way in which I've just behaved, but--suppose Twickenham were to turn up?'
'It would be pretty bad.'
'If that were all! I doubt if he'd give you a penny: as for me, he'd laugh me to scorn. You and I'd be beggars. Would it be chivalrous to drag the women into the ditch with us?'