"Possibly out of a book of wit I had heard quoted at a dinner party," he said after a fashion, following it with his notorious laugh. "In any case, sir, I shall remain your friend until I am no longer able to stand by your side, for one reason or another." Meaning, whoever should disappear first, Booth or himself. "I am in need of a male companion...one who does not loathe the sight of me, preferably."