"You would not imitate that sort of fun, would you?" asked Hermione.
"No. You would think it no joke if I did," answered Cutter, gravely.
"I am not going to laugh," said Hermione. But she laughed, nevertheless.
"Pray do not laugh if you do not want to," said Cutter. "I am used to being thought dull. Your gravity would not wound me though I were chief clown to the whole universe, and yours were the only grave face in the world. By the by, you are laughing, I see. I am much obliged for the appreciation. Shall I go on being funny?"
"Not if you can help it," said Hermione.
"Do you insinuate that I am naturally an object for laughter?" asked Cutter, smiling. "Do you mean that 'I am not only witty in myself, but the cause that wit is in other men'? If so, I may yet make you spend a pleasant hour in despite of yourself, without any great effort on my own part. I will sit here, and you shall laugh at me. The morning will pass very agreeably."
"I should think you might find something better to do," returned Hermione. "But they say that small things amuse great minds."
"If I had a great mind, do you think I should look upon it as a small thing to be laughed at by you, Miss Carvel?" inquired Cutter, quietly.
"You offer yourself so readily to be my laughing-stock that I am forced to consider what you offer a small thing," returned his companion.
"You are exceedingly sarcastic. In that case, I have not a great mind, as you supposed."