“Yes, that I do, heartily; but not as to the set in general.”
“Well, they don't suit me either; but, on the whole, they are wanted—at any rate, in this college. Even the worst of them is making some sort of protest for self-denial, and against self-indulgence, which is nowhere more needed than here.”
“A nice sort of protest—muslin curtains, a piano, and old claret.”
“Oh, you've no right to count Henden among them; he has only a little hankering after mediaevalism, and thinks the whole thing gentlemanly.”
“I only know the whole clamjamfery of them were there, and didn't seem to protest much.”
“Brown, you're a bigot. I should never have thought you would have been so furious against any set of fellows, I begin to smell Arnold.”
“No you don't. He never spoke to me against anybody.”
“Hallo! It was the Rugby atmosphere, then, I suppose. But I tell you they are the only men in the college who are making that protest, whatever their motives may be.”
“What do you say to yourself, old fellow?”
“Nonsense! I never deny myself any pleasure that I can afford, if it isn't wrong in itself, and doesn't hinder anyone else. I can tell you I am as fond of fine things and good living as you.”