Reginald looked and felt by a long way the more uncomfortable and guilty of the two, and he was at least thankful that Gedge spared him the trouble of beginning.
"Oh! Cruden," said the boy, "I know exactly what you're going to say.
You're going to tell me you're deceived in me, and that I'm a young fool and going to the dogs as hard as I can.

I don't wonder you think so." "I wasn't going to say that," said Reginald.

"I was going to ask you how you were." "Oh, I'm all right; but I know you're going to lecture me, Cruden, and I'm sure you may.

There's nothing you can say I don't deserve.

I only wish I could make you believe I'll never be such a fool again.