We are all of us apt to think thus generously
of those whom we hold dear.
"There aren't many women who come up these stairs in evening dress,
I can assure you," he said, as they mounted the flight together.
She laughed. "And I suppose the ones who do are on their way to see
you?"
"Dolly, I'm ashamed of you," he replied.
"Well, you've made yourself the reputation; don't grumble at it or
shirk it."
"Shirk it? Why should I?" He stood aside to let her pass in. "I've
nothing to be ashamed of. I don't wear the garment of respectability,
but then I'm not stark naked. Every man clothes himself in some
article of faith, virtue if you like." The name of Sally and Sally's
face swept across his mind. There was one virtue at least which he
could put on. "You people, the set you want me to join, the hunting
set, the country house set--all you wear--I don't mean you
particularly. God! If you were like that!" He was too intent upon
what he was saying to notice the smile of ice that twisted her pretty
lips. "All you wear is the big, comprehensive cloak of respectability,
and sometimes you're not particular whether that's tied up
properly."
Dolly broke into low laughter.
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