Magnetism by induction is a phenomenon no less interesting in the intellectual than in the physical world. The restless mood of Patty, her defensive attitude, began to re-act upon her companion. She unconsciously was defending herself from herself, rather than from him; while he was at once puzzled and offended by her repellence. Patty was more affected by this meeting with her lover than she realized, and her nature instinctively guarded itself against any betrayal of emotion. She affected, as many another has done, to cover her concern by a mask of indifference, and began to banter gayly.
"I would on no account have come here, had I known you were at home," she said.
"Um,"—he returned. "You and truth have one thing in common."
"I am delighted to hear it. What may that be?"
"You are both very coy when sought, and yet will often show your faces unasked."
"Thanks! That is, then, our only resemblance?"
"Oh, no! You both can say extremely disagreeable things."
"And both are very unpleasant generally, I suppose you'd like to add."
"By no means. That would be impolite to my guest."