“You’re right—she wouldn’t; the more fool she, if she wanted the answer as badly as you did.”
“Exactly,” said Dolly; “for, after all, it doesn’t matter what you think of me.”
Farquhar slightly altered his whole bearing. He leaned against the chimney-piece and looked her in the face. “My opinion does matter, you know,” he said. “I’ve some influence, which I could use either to promote or to frustrate your interests. I know plenty managers, and so forth, and I’m popular.”
“It does not matter,” Dolly corrected swiftly; “for I would under no circumstances consent to be beholden to you for anything beyond the piece of truth you’ve already given me.”
“You’re independent.”
“I hope so.”
“I’d much like to teach you to obey.”
“Mathematicians have always wanted to square the circle.”
“You’ve a will of your own; you’re worth talking to.”
“Is this how a gentleman speaks to a lady?”