"I did not say so. But you have given me no proof of it."
"No proof of it! What was the poem I have just read?"
"It was ... well, it was resonant. But I objected to it, as I have told you, on personal grounds." As she went on, Pauline tried to deal with a rather insubordinate smile of keen, sarcastic enjoyment.
"So you really think," she continued, "that you possess absolute genius?"
"I am certain of it!" cried Mr. Prawle.
"That is a very pleasant mental condition."
"Do you doubt it?... Ah! I see but too plainly that you do!"
"Frankly," said Pauline, "I do."
Mr. Prawle flung both his hands towards the ceiling. "It is Kindelon's work," he cried, with an effect of very plaintive lamentation. "Kindelon is among those who yet oppose me."
"Mr. Kindelon is not responsible for my opinions," said Pauline. "However, you probably have other opponents?"