Mr. Thorn honoured the introduction with perfect civility, but then fell back to his former position and slightly lowered tone.
"Are you then a sworn foe to compliments?"
"I was never so fiercely attacked by them as to give me any occasion."
"I should be very sorry to furnish the occasion; but what's the harm in them, Miss Ringgan?"
"Chiefly a want of agreeableness."
"Of agreeableness! Pardon me; I hope you will be so good as to give me the rationale of that?"
"I am of Miss Edgeworth's opinion, Sir," said Fleda, blushing, " that a lady may always judge of the estimation in which she is held, by the conversation which is addressed to her."
"And you judge compliments to be a doubtful indication of esteem!"
"I am sure you do not need information on that point, Sir."
"As to your opinion, or the matter of fact?" said he, somewhat keenly.