“There's an absurd account of a view in this book,” said Cecil. “Also that men fall into two classes — those who forget views and those who remember them, even in small rooms.”

“Mr. Emerson, have you any brothers or sisters?”

“None. Why?”

“You spoke of 'us.'“

“My mother, I was meaning.”

Cecil closed the novel with a bang.

“Oh, Cecil — how you made me jump!”

“I will inflict Joseph Emery Prank on you no longer.”

“I can just remember us all three going into the country for the day and seeing as far as Hindhead. It is the first thing that I remember.”