"Amiel's spirits are often too much for him"—he said— "He is a perfect imp of mischief and cannot always control himself."
"Why, what a wrong estimate I have formed of him!" I said—"I thought he had a peculiarly grave and somewhat sullen disposition."
"You know the trite saying—appearances are deceptive?" went on my companion lightly—"It's extremely true. The professed humourist is nearly always a disagreeable and heavy man personally. As for Amiel, he is like me in the respect of not being at all what he seems. His only fault is a tendency to break the bounds of discipline, but otherwise he serves me well, and I do not inquire further. Is Morris disgusted or alarmed?"
"Neither I think," I responded laughing—"He merely presents himself to me as an example of outraged respectability."
"
