“Oh, no. I feel perfectly well. What made you think it was?”
“You won't talk to me, and you look so preternaturally serious. I am sure I have unwittingly offended you?”
“No, you haven't. You are just as you always are, better to me than I deserve.”
“You deserve the best man in the world.”
“I already have the best woman.”
“Mdlle. Leroux?”
“Yes; Clarice.”
“You admire her very much.”
“Of course. I would give anything to be like her.”