"My letters? A woman often writes what she will not say, and says what she will not write. Did you not ask me to disillusion you?"
"Yes, but softly, softly. I begin to believe one thing: you brought me here to teach me a lesson. Gentlemen should never use the personal column."
"Nor should ladies read it. I am not saving any mercy for myself!" with laughter.
"Shall I begin with my past?"
"Something less horrifying, if you please!"
"I object to the word nice," he said, seeking a new channel, for he was not steering very well in those he had so far selected.
"The word was employed negligently. Your friends used the word."
"I should have preferred milksop!" He was growing impatient. "Hadn't you better try some new kind of torture?"
"This is only a skirmish; your real torture hasn't even begun yet. But this will give you an appetite. I do not drink champagne, but the chambertin will do nicely. Oh, I propose that you shall pay for this dinner, Mr. Hillard; pay for the privilege of sharing it with me."
"Bring on the check. I should like to settle the bill at once, and have it off my mind."