"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.
"As to the matter of fact," said Fleda, with a glance both simple and acute in its expression.