I weighed the remark rather deliberately.
"You were nearer being spiteful then than I've ever heard you," I said.
"But wasn't it true? The only three people I can depend on not to give me good advice are Elsie, Dick and the Seraph."
"The only three who'll give you anything more?"
"Among the non-politicals. I've got politicals who'd go through fire and water for me," she declared proudly.
"I can believe it. But only those three among the rest?"
"Those three." She sat looking me in the eyes for a moment, then a mischievous smile of commiseration broke over her face. "My friend, you're not suggesting yourself?"
"I'm waiting to be asked."
"It would be waste of time. You've not been living your own sinful selfish life all these years for nothing. If a crash ever came—it's kindly meant, but I should have to put you under instruction for six months before I could be certain of you."
"You won't get six months."