“True? Yes—true,” said he, making a gesture of resignation. “I admit everything—anything.”
“Now, do be reasonable, Chang!” she reproached. “Where isn’t it true?”
“If I let myself argue with you I’d be running wild through the woods in about fifteen minutes. Tell me, does anyone in your family—or among your acquaintances—does anyone ever dispute with you?”
She reflected, ignoring the irony in his tone. “No,” said she, “I don’t believe they do. I have my own way.”
“I’d have sworn it,” cried he.
“You are the only one that ever opposes me,” said she.
“I? Oh, no. Never! But in this one thing I must.” He changed to seriousness. “Rix, I’ll have nothing to do with your deceiving that nice young chap. That’s flat and final.”
“Isn’t he nice, though!” exclaimed she. “I’ve always liked him since he was a little boy at dancing school with such a polite, quiet way of sniffling. He hates to blow his nose. You know, there are people like that. I wouldn’t hurt his feelings for the world. You see, everybody can’t be harsh and hard like you. Now, you take a positive delight in saying unpleasant truths.”
“I’m nothing of a liar,” said he curtly.
“I like that in you,” cried she with enthusiasm. “It makes me feel such confidence. You’re the only person I ever knew whom I believed in everything they said.”