"Have you been in Mexico, too, Mr. Thorn?"
"Not I! that's an entertainment I beg to decline. I never felt inclined to barter an arm for a shoulder-knot, or to abridge my usual means of locomotion for the privilege of riding on parade or selling one's-self for a name. Peter Schlemil's selling his shadow I can understand; but this is really lessening one's-self that one's shadow may grow the larger."
"But you were in the army?" said Fleda.
"Yes, it wasn't my doing. There is a time, you know, when one must please the old folks I grew old enough and wise enough to cut loose from the army before I had gained or lost much by it."
He did not understand the displeased gravity of Fleda's face, and went on insinuatingly
"Unless I have lost what Charlton has gained something I did not know hung upon the decision Perhaps you think a man is taller for having iron heels to his boots?"
"I do not measure a man by his inches," said Fleda.
"Then you have no particular predilection for shooting-men?"
"I have no predilection for shooting anything, Sir?"
"Then I am safe!" said he, with an arrogant little air of satisfaction. "I was born under an indolent star, but I confess to you, privately, of the two I would rather gather my harvests with the sickle than the sword. How does your uncle find it?"