In common with many folk, Wynne thought more highly of his lesser deeds than of his greater, and vaunted them enthusiastically. He was inordinately proud of his truculence and acerbity to men who were more successful than himself, and took pleasure in recounting the fine-edged verbal tools he had employed against them. He was mortally offended when Eve told him frankly the attitude was unworthy and easily misconstrued.
“They only think you are envious,” she said.
“I envious of them? Good God!”
Her frankness had its effect, however, for he modified the characteristic, and no longer shouted “Yah” at lesser intellects and longer purses.
Another change she brought about was the matter of diet. Very drastically she quashed the nibbling habit which with him had taken the place of meals.
“Wynne,” she said, “what did you have for breakfast?”
“Lord knows. I don’t! Nothing, I expect.”
“Would you like to please me?”
“Yes,” he answered, “I suppose so.”
“You are starving yourself.”