A life of stirring work and interest, a life of change and excitement, a life of domestic ease and love! Look at him!' Edwin Drood's face has become quickly and remarkably flushed with the wine; so has the face of Neville Landless.

Edwin still sits thrown back in his chair, making that rest of clasped hands for his head.
'See how little he heeds it all!' Jasper proceeds in a bantering vein.
'It is hardly worth his while to pluck the golden fruit that hangs ripe on the tree for him.

And yet consider the contrast, Mr.Neville.

You and I have no prospect of stirring work and interest, or of change and excitement, or of domestic ease and love.

You and I have no prospect (unless you are more fortunate than I am, which may easily be), but the tedious unchanging round of this dull place.' 'Upon my soul, Jack,' says Edwin, complacently, 'I feel quite apologetic for having my way smoothed as you describe.