'
'Well, I was thinking that you and I are a great deal more intimate
and confidential when we meet now, than we used to be when we were
always together.'
'People can't be often confidential from the innermost when they live
together,' said Maurice.
'Since I have been a Kendal, such has been my experience.'
'It was the same before, only we concealed it by an upper surface of
chatter,' said Maurice. '"As iron sharpeneth iron, so doth a man the
countenance of his friend;" but if the mutual sharpening went on
without intermission, both irons would wear away, and no work would
be done. Aren't you coming with me? Edmund is going to drive me to
Woodside to meet the pony-carriage from home.'
'I wish I could; but you see what happens when I go out pleasuring!'
'Well, you can take one element of mischief with you--that imp,
Maurice.'
'Ye--es. Papa would like it, if you do.'
'I should like you to come on worse terms.'
'Very well, then; and Sophy is safe; I had already asked Genevieve to
come and read to her this afternoon. If Gilbert can spare me, I will
go.'
Gilbert did not want her, and begged Lucy not to think of staying
indoors on his account. He was presently left in solitary possession
of the drawing-room, whereupon he rose, settled his brown locks at
the glass, arranged his tie, brushed his cuffs, leisurely walked
upstairs, and tapped at the door of the morning-room, meekly asking,
'May I come in?' with a cough at each end of the sentence.
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