Mrs. Carden pushed away her plate with impatience. She ate the pudding afterwards, for it was excellent. She was horrified.
Sir John helped himself to cream with deliberation. Mr. Wainbridge looked at Launa. Mrs. Phillips saw the look and interpreted it.
“My dear Miss Archer,” said Sir John, “the world is very hard; its rules are firm and not easily broken.”
“I do not agree with you,” said Mrs. Carden. “They are broken with impunity very easily.”
“Probably you do not agree with me,” said Sir John. “I haven’t tried to break any. I do not speak from experience.”
“The world does not mind its rules being broken,” said Mrs. Phillips. “It minds only when it discovers the hole and is obliged to notice it.”
“There are saints to whom the good people would not, could not speak,” said Sir John.
“Purity and morality are often mistaken,” said Launa, “by the world. It is unjust, and justice is cruelty.”
“It is law,” observed Mr. Wainbridge, with a sigh.
“Law and the promises,” said Sir John.