"I won't gratify you with even a smile of approval at so callous a joke," he said coolly. "To trample on my feelings so is positively inhuman. Still, that 'exception' emboldens me."
"In what way?"
"That finding you interested in one of my books, I want you to let me—I want you to favour me by accepting from me a set?"
"I have been guilty of five others." Mock despair was in his tone. "Accept my contrite apologies."
"Five others!"
"I have to plead guilty to that number. Heinous, isn't it?"
"Oh, I did not mean that."
"And so young too!"
"Really, Mr. Masters!" The flush was being worn again. "You are, really, too bad; raking up old grievances!"