"I maintain that duties are facts, not notions," said Mr. Linden.
"Hum—" said the doctor turning,—"Now you are too quick for me. May one not have a notion of a fact?"
"One may. What are your notions about society and solitude?"
"Of duty in those regards?"
"Not at all,—your notions of those facts."
"Confused—" said the doctor,—"Incomprehensible—Melancholy—and
Distracting!"
He had got up and assumed the position he seemed to like, a standing-place on the rug, from whence he could look down on everybody.
"What do you say to this?—
'Two paradises were in one,
To live in Paradise alone.'—
I suppose that meets your 'notions.'"