"Yes, she is going it, I think."
"That sort of thing's hardly your line, eh?"
"That sort of thing hardly is my line."
"Don't care for love-letters--as a rule?"
"I should like to refer to a dictionary to know what a love-letter is. If this is a love-letter, I prefer a summons."
It was on his tongue to say a writ, but he remembered that he already had one in his pocket, and chose another word.
"Ah, Ely, you must remember that this is a romantic girl. If her language seems too flowery--too kissy-kissy--you must bear in mind that in romantic girls affection is apt to take such shapes. Besides, I should think you'd rather have that than the other kind of thing--I know I would."
"Perhaps, before you pass an opinion on that subject, you'll allow me to read to you the letter I've received."
"Read it! I say! Is that quite fair? Men don't read their love-letters even to their young women's guardians as a rule. Especially the first--I thought that was sacred above the rest."
"Look here, Ash, I'm the mildest-mannered man alive, but you never came nearer having an inkstand at your head than since I've been inside this room."