"One can't divide a matter of this sort into watertight compartments.

It is true that in so important a concern each of us has charge of his own division, but the fact remains that we are jointly and severally responsible for the whole.

I am not sure that you bear this sufficiently in mind, my dear Vernon," he added with slow emphasis.
His partner moved quickly; it might almost have been said that he shivered, though whether the movement, or the shiver, was produced by the argument of joint and several liability or by the familiarity of the "my dear Vernon," remains uncertain.

Perhaps it was the latter, since although the elder man was a baronet and the younger only a retired Major of Engineers, the gulf between them, as any one of discernment could see, was wide.

They were born, lived, and moved in different spheres unbridged by any common element or impulse.
"I think that I do bear it in mind, especially of late, Sir Robert," answered Alan Vernon slowly.
His partner threw a searching glance on him, for he felt that there was meaning in the words, but only said: "That's all right.