Page:Edgar Jepson--the four philanthropists.djvu/11



are wasted lives," said Chelubai earnestly.

Chelubai often says things like that, and always earnestly. As a rule I ignore them with some firmness; but this time I said, "Speak for yourself."

"Of course you're a barrister, and that counts for something. I was thinking rather of Bottiger and myself. Ours are wasted lives," said Chelubai.

"Speak for yourself," said Bottiger sharply.

"Well, they are," said Chelubai stubbornly—"rounds of pleasure."

"If you think that walking up those partridges yesterday in that biting east wind and sleety drizzle was a round of pleasure, you're jolly well mistaken!" said Bottiger with some heat.

"Of what benefit were your exertions to Humanity?" said Chelubai.