"The sign of a wholesome mind," said Max.
She turned towards him. "Not at all! Scepticism only indicates gross materialism and lack of imagination. There is nothing at all to be proud of in the possession of a low grade of intelligence."
Max's mouth went down, and Violet's face flashed into her most bewitching smile.
"I don't often get the opportunity to jeer at a genius," she said. "You know that I am one of your most ardent admirers, don't you?"
"Is that the preliminary to asking a favour?" said Max.
She broke into a light laugh. "No, I never ask favours. I always take what I want. It's much the quickest way."
"Saves trouble, too," he suggested.
"It does," she agreed. "I am sure you follow the same plan yourself."
"Invariably," said Max.
"It's a plan that doesn't always answer," observed Nick, in a grandfatherly tone. "I shouldn't recommend it to everybody."