[avoids his]

Well, you took for granted that I wanted you to!... You are about the most conceited man I ever knew.

Ernest

How can I help it when you admire me so?

Helen

I? Admire you?

Ernest

You're always telling me what great things I'm going to do—stimulating me, pushing me along. Why, after you left, everything went slump. Tell me, why did you leave? Was I rude to you? Did I hurt your feelings?

Helen

Not in the least. It was entirely out of respect for your feelings.