"Manicheism. Chichester, you say, was a saint?"
"He was, if a man can be a saint who has a certain amiable weakness of character."
"And now? You think he would be a difficult customer to tackle now?"
"Harding finds him so."
"And Harding was an overwhelming chap, cocksure of himself. Chichester must be difficult. Shall I tackle him?"
"I wish you would. But how? Do you wish me to introduce him to you?"
"Let me see."
The professor dropped his head and remained silent for a minute or two.
"Tell me something," he at length remarked, lifting his head and assuming his most terrier-like aspect. "Do you think Harding a whited sepulcher?"
"Possibly."