Having enjoyed a lingering lunch by the fireside, they were now making the most of the Indian summer by watching the River drift by in this companionable way.“Do you know, Mole,” observed the Rat, “I cannot now remember a time when we did not know each other, and were constantly able to look forward — and back! — to picnic and tea, courtesy yourself, and blissful days afloat, courtesy my boat.”“And your skill,” said the Mole.“That’s as maybe,” said the Rat, “but the fact is that one way and another we have a good deal to be thankful for, have we not?”It was not often that the Rat mused thus, and the Mole was rather surprised at it, but then he knew very well that the Rat had not been quite himself lately. He had seemed more often tired than in yesteryear, and a little more inclined to stay in his seat enjoying an extra cup of tea or two than to embark on some urgent River errand.The Mole did not in the least object to lingering in the Rat’s company in this way for there was no friendship that gave him more constant and lasting pleasure.
