'I suppose so. I dare say it's not so very difficult, is it?'
'Very, I believe. I've never tried personally, but so I am told by those who have.'
'Oh well, I don't care. Lots of quite stupid people seem to manage it, so I don't see why I shouldn't. I shall try, anyhow. I think it's worth it,' said Alix with determination.
'Well,' said Nicholas, after a pause, 'I dare say you're right. Right to try things, I mean. I suppose it's more intelligent.'
For a moment the paradox in the faces of both brother and sister was resolved, and idealism wholly dominated cynicism.
'Well,' said Nicholas again, 'here's luck!'
He finished his punch. It had, as he had said, too many pips, so that he drank with care and rejections rather than hope.