'Yes, I have been there. Lord Holland is one of the most kindly men in the kingdom, and he has not withdrawn the kindness he showed me as Mr. Strahan's nephew and favourite.'
'If you go there, you must go into a great deal of London society,' said Betty, wondering. 'I am afraid you have been staying at home for our sakes. Mrs. Dallas would not like that.'
'No,' said Pitt, 'the case is not such. Once in a while I have gone to
Holland House, but I have not time for general society.'
'Not time!'
'No,' said Pitt, smiling at her expression.
'Not time for society! That is—is it possibly—because of Martin's court, and the Duke of Trefoil's alley, and the like?'
'What do you think?' said Pitt, his eyes sparkling with amusement. 'There is society and society, you know. Can you drink from two opposite sides of a cup at the same time?'
'But one has duties to Society!' objected Betty, bewildered somewhat by the argument and the smile together.
'So I think, and I am trying to meet them. Do not mistake me. I do not mean to undervalue real society; I will take gladly all I can that will give me mental stimulus and refreshment. But the round of fashion is somewhat more vapid than ever, I grant you, after a visit to my lace-mender. Those two things cannot go on together. Shall we walk home? It is not very far from here. I am afraid I have tired you!'
Betty denied that; but she walked home very silently.