She interpreted the smile aloud. "What sound reason have you for despising me?" she asked. "You pretend to be a scientist. Answer me as such, rejecting bias."
"I don't," said I.
"Then you dislike me; why?"
"I don't."
Her lip curled. "Oh, indeed." She arose and brought me a cushion. I took it and our hands touched. "I must conclude, then, that you like me?" She drew her hand swiftly away and returned to her seat.
I smiled again. "Undoubtedly, Miss Ottley."
"Thank you." The tone was instinct with sarcasm.
"Confess that you are craving for a little human sympathy."
"I!" she exclaimed and started haughtily.
"Being a woman and in a simply damnable position."