It was the pleasantest evening which Gilbert Fenton had spent for a long time, in spite of the heavy burden on his mind, in spite of the depressing view which Mr.Saltram took of his position.
"Dear old John," he said, as they shook hands at parting, "I cannot tell you what a happiness it has been to me to see you again.

We were never separated so long before since the day when I ate my first dinner at Balliol." The other seemed touched by this expression of regard, but disinclined to betray his emotion, after the manner of Englishmen on such occasions.
"My dear Gilbert, it ought to be very pleasant to me to hear that.

But I doubt if I am worthy of so much.

As far as my own liking for you goes, there is no inequality between us; but you are a better fellow than I am by a long way, and are not likely to profit much in the long-run by your friendship for a reprobate like me." "That's all nonsense, John.

That kind of vague self-accusation means nothing.