'You have an amiable character, Alec,' retorted Dick.
Alec began to walk up and down excitedly. Dick had never seen him before in such a state.
'The position is growing confoundedly awkward,' he said drily.
Then Alec burst out.
'They lick my boots till I loathe them, and then they turn against me like a pack of curs. Oh, I despise them, these silly boys who stay at home wallowing in their ease, while men work—work and conquer. Thank God, I've done with them now. They think one can fight one's way through Africa as easily as walk down Piccadilly. They think one goes through hardship and danger, illness and starvation, to be the lion of a dinner-party in Mayfair.'
'I think you're unfair to them,' answered Dick. 'Can't you see the other side of the picture? You're accused of a particularly low act of treachery. Your friends were hoping that you'd be able to prove at once that it was an abominable lie, and for some reason which no one can make out, you refuse even to notice it.'
'My whole life is proof that it's a lie.'
'Don't you think you'd better change your mind and make a statement that can be sent to the papers?'
'No, damn you!'
Dick's good nature was imperturbable, and he was not in the least annoyed by Alec's vivacity.