Page:Anthony Hope - The Dolly Dialogues.djvu/109

 'You're an awful ass sometimes,' he observed critically, and he rose from his seat.

'Must you go?' said I.

'Yes—got a lot of things to do. Look here, Sam, don't go and talk about'

'Talk about what?'

'Anything, you old idiot,' said George, with a pleased smile, and he dug me in the ribs with his cane, and departed.

I sat on, admiring the simple elements which constitute the happiness of the young. Alas! with advancing years, Wrong loses half its flavour! To be improper ceases, by itself, to satisfy.

Immersed in these reflections, I failed to notice that a barouche had stopped opposite to me; and suddenly I found a footman addressing me.

'Beg your pardon, sir,' he said. 'Her ladyship wishes to speak to you.'

'It is a blessed thing to be young, Martin,' I observed.

'Yes, sir,' said Martin. 'It's a fine day, sir.'

'But very short,' said I. Martin is respectful, and said nothing—to me at least. What he said to the coachman I don't know.

And then I went up to Dolly.

'Get in and drive round,' suggested Dolly.

'I can't,' said I. 'I have a bad nose.'

'What's the matter with your nose?' asked Dolly, smiling.

'The joint is injured,' said I, getting into the