XX


IN WAY OF TASTE
Troilus and Cressida, iii. 3.


The two deacons were together again in the Clergy House. Maurice
frankly confessed to himself that he did not like it, and he wondered
if Philip were also dissatisfied. It was a question too delicate to
ask, however; and he contented himself with watching his friend to
discover, if possible, whether the stay outside had affected Ashe as it
had him. They returned late in the afternoon, and their greeting was of
the warmest.

"Dear old boy," Maurice cried, "you don't know how glad I am to get at
you again. Where in the world have you kept yourself?"

"Just at the last," Philip responded, "I've been down to Montfield."

"Down home? Have you really? How is everybody? I hope your mother is
well."

"She is very well, and I do not remember anybody that we know who
isn't. I went down to see Mr. Wentworth, and found that he is already
pledged to Mr. Strathmore."

"Is he really? How did that happen?"