"But suppose you were deceived and thought her other than she was."
"I hardly expect such a thing to happen. Why suppose?"
"Because if I were your wife you might find it to be true."
Philip laughed aloud. "Claire, how preposterous! Are you trying to kill my love for you with such terrifying pictures of depravity?"
"I wasn't trying to do anything. I just wanted to know."
"Have you been answered?"
"Yes, you are like all of your type; you are in love with what your own desire chooses as an ideal, and then you shout, 'Behold, I am not a sensual lover!'"
He stared at her in amazement. "What sort of a thing do you think I am?"
She laughed carelessly. "A man. And what do you think I am?"
"A very strange woman, but a dear one," he said earnestly.