“Very,” said George solemnly. “Precept is better than example.”
“What?” she asked, “surely you have made a mistake, and the true version is ‘example is better than precept.’ ”
She wore an air of triumph, and glanced proudly round her.
“Mr. George is writing a book,” said Launa, “on proverbs. He is—”
“Correcting the faults of the world,” said Mr. George, humbly.
“A necessary task,” said Mrs. Carden, “in these degenerate days. Mr. McCarthy, who preaches at St. Luke’s, Launa (I advise you to go and hear him), is a son of Dr. Willis, in the faith—”
“What a good name. I did not know that was what they called it,” said Mr. George softly; “but add in love—in faith and love.”
“Miss Archer was playing to me,” said Mr. Wainbridge. “Have you heard her?”
He addressed his question to Mrs. Carden, who appeared perturbed.
“No. I am sure she can play. But I dislike music excessively. I played myself once; and my son has a flute. I find it disturbing.”