“I suppose so. I really know nothing about her, but the moment I saw her I felt that she was different from any other woman I had ever met.”
“But you’ve found out about her since?”
“No. I was tempted to question Dr. Purple, but I didn’t like to ask about a friend.”
Lispenard laughed. “You’ve got a pretty bad case of conscience, I’m afraid. It’s a poor thing to have in New York, too. Well, my cousin is one of the richest, best born women in this country, though I say it. You can’t do better than cultivate her.”
“Is that what you do?”
“No. You have me there. She doesn’t approve of me at all. You see, women in this country expect a man to be serious and work. I can’t do either. I suppose its my foreign education. She likes my company, and finds my escortage very convenient. But while she thinks I’m a pretty good companion, she is sure I’m a poor sort of a man. If she takes a shine to you, make the most of it. She can give you anything she pleases socially.”
“I suppose you have anything you please socially?”
“Pretty much.”
“And would you advise me to spend time to get it?”
“Um. I wouldn’t give the toss of a copper for it—but I can have it. It’s not being able to have it that’s the bad thing.”