Page:Decline and Fall, Waugh, 1928.pdf/300

"Why?"

"Oh, I don't know—about Margot and the man Maltravers and everything."

"I don't think I was much to blame."

"No, I suppose not, only you were part of it all."

"How's Margot?"

"She's all right—Margot Metroland. D'you mind if I take another drink?"

"I suppose not."

"Viscountess Metroland," said Peter. "What a name! What a man! Still, she's got Alastair all the time. Metroland doesn't mind. He's got what he wanted. I don't see much of them really. What do you do all the time, Paul?"

"I'm going to be ordained soon."

"Wish I didn't feel so damned ill. What were we saying? Oh yes, about Metroland. You know, Paul, I think it was a mistake you ever got mixed up with us; don't you? We're different somehow. Don't quite know how. Don't think that's rude, do you, Paul?"

"No, I know exactly what you mean. You're dynamic, and I'm static."

"Is that it? Expect you're right. Funny thing you used to teach me once; d'you remember? Llanabba—Latin sentences, Quominus and Quin, and the organ; d'you remember?"

"Yes, I remember," said Paul.

"Funny how things happen. You used to teach me the organ; d'you remember?"

"Yes, I remember," said Paul.