“I fancy a good many women say that to their brothers—when they don’t know any other men.”
“Have you known a lot of women?”
“A good many.”
“I thought so. We seem to exist for you as individuals. To the Frederic sort of man women only seem to exist as a surrounding presence. . . . If I did something dreadful you’d stand by me, wouldn’t you?”
“I hope so. But don’t do anything dreadful just for the fun of it. It isn’t worth it.”
Minna gave a little purr of contentment and rubbed her cheek against his and said:
“You’re so warm and friendly. I’m glad you came. But I can understand people hating you like poison.”
“They do, my dear, they do.”
He kissed her again and she ran happily away and upstairs.