“Do you shoot?”
“Yes; why?”
“I am reconciled to the shooting, then.”
“Oh, that is awfully civil of you. Sometimes I'd rather play Bridge.”
“So should I—sometimes.”
“I'll remember that, Mr. Siward; and when all the men are waiting for you to start out after grouse perhaps I may take that moment to whisper: 'May I play?'”
He laughed.
“You mean that you really would stay and play double dummy when every other living man will be off to the coverts? Double dummy—to improve my game?”
“Certainly! I need improvement.”
“Then there is something wrong with you, too, Mr. Siward.”