'Quite well, said Paul.
'Nonsense! said Lady Circumference. 'The boy's a dunderhead. If he wasn't he wouldn't be here. He wants beatin' and hittin' and knockin' about generally, and then he'll be no good. That grass is shockin' bad on the terrace, Doctor; you ought to sand it down and re‑sow it, but you'll have to take that cedar down if you ever want it to grow properly at the side. I hate cuttin' down a tree ‑ like losin' a tooth ‑ but you have to choose, tree or grass; you can't keep 'em both. What d'you pay your head man?
As she was talking Lord Circumference emerged from the shadows and shook Paul's hand. He had a long fair moustache and large watery eyes which reminded Paul a little of Mr. Prendergast.
'How do you do? he said.
'How do you do? said Paul.
'Fond of sport, eh? he said. 'I mean these sort of sports?
'Oh, yes, said Paul. 'I think they're so good for the boys.
'Do you? Do you think that, said Lord Circumference very earnestly: 'you think they're good for the boys?
'Yes, said Paul; 'don't you?
'Me? Yes, oh yes. I think so, too. Very good for the boys.