"It seems very unfortunate," murmured Isabel, "that you are the only man that I want to say pretty things to me, and that therefore you won't say them."
"Pardon me, Miss Carnaby, you are confusing cause and effect. I do not refrain from saying pretty things because you want me to say them, but you want me to say them because I refrain."
"Why are you so fond of making me cross?" asked Isabel with a pout.
"Because it is the most amusing form of sport I know. I used to think that rowing and fishing ran it close, but now I have decided that making you cross is the most fascinating pastime in the world—bar one."
"You've never tried the other."
"I know I've not. Probably that is why I still retain such a high opinion of it."
"I am not sure that it would amuse you if you did try it."
"Neither am I," replied Paul, "but I'm not going to try it till I am quite sure that it would not amuse you."
"Then don't you like to see me enjoying myself?"
"Certainly, within reasonable limits. I like to see children enjoying themselves, but there are some things that I should refuse to give them as playthings."