I've only my fantastic need of making my dose stiff." Little Bilham wondered.

"What do you call your dose ?" "Why what I have to swallow.

I want my conditions unmitigated." He had spoken in the tone of talk for talk's sake, and yet with an obscure truth lurking in the loose folds; a circumstance presently not without its effect on his young friend.

Little Bilham's eyes rested on him a moment with some intensity; then suddenly, as if everything had cleared up, he gave a happy laugh.

It seemed to say that if pretending, or even trying, or still even hoping, to be able to care for Mamie would be of use, he was all there for the job.