But we are only talking this between ourselves.
And now I come back to my rather abrupt question--Do you approve of stealing?
No, you say, as a matter of course.

And yet, you but just now were inclined to justify sharp dealing, on the ground that all were sharpers--quoting the saying of some, that no honest man could trade successfully in the present time.

For the direct stealing of a few articles of trifling value, you hand a poor, ignorant domestic over to the police, yet feel no righteous indignation against the better-taught man of business, who daily robs his customers in some one form or another." "You are too serious by far, Edward," returned his companion, forcing a laugh.

"Your mind has fallen into a morbid state.

But you will get over this one of these times.