One is a long while dead, you know." Winston nodded, for he understood.

He had also during the grim cares of the lean years known the fierce longing for one deep draught of the wine of pleasure, whatever it afterwards cost him.
"It was that which induced you to look for a little relaxation at the settlement at my expense," he said.

"A trifle paltry, wasn't it ?" Courthorne laughed.

"It seems you don't know me yet.

That was a frolic, indulged in out of humor, for your benefit.