“Also callow, ignorant, and without grace.”
She reddened. “All girls are at that age!”
“Possibly, but I see no reason why I should be kind to them.”
“You're not kind to anyone. You were beastly to Guy, and you still are.”
“I am but human, my love. If he will rise to my bait, bait he shall have.”
“I wouldn't mind betting you used to pull flies' wings off when you were a boy,” said Stella with deep loathing.
“One of my favourite pastimes.”
“And—if it interests you—I very much object to your habit of sneering at my mother!”
His eyelids drooped. “At my clever Aunt Zoë? How you misjudge me! I am quite her most appreciative admirer.”
“That'll do, thanks!”