“I beg your pardon, Mary; I believe you are right.”
“Of what were you thinking so intently?”
“I was not thinking. It is too delicious this afternoon to do anything, even think. I am just resting my mind.”
“Well, I find you very dull under such a process.”
“‘A friend should bear a friend’s infirmity,’” quoted Joscelyn.
“Dulness is not an infirmity; it is a crime.”
“Then methinks the world must be full of criminals.”
“And those who are so intentionally and voluntarily should be punished like other wrong-doers.”
Joscelyn laughed. “Well, pass sentence upon me, most wise judge, if you think I was not born that way and that the sin is intentional. Am I to hang for it, or will you be merciful and make it a prison offence?”