She remarked that he was somewhat silent and grave, but thought nothing of it, and chatted on as usual, remarking upon the pleasant company she had been in at luncheon.
This opened the way for Tom's lecture.
“How easily you seem to get interested with new people!” he began.
“Do I?” she said. “Well, don't you think it very natural?”
“Wouldn't it be a blessing if people would always say just what they think and mean, though?”
“Yes, and a great many do,” she replied, looking at him in some wonder, and not quite pleased with the turn things were taking.
“Any ladies, do you think? You know we haven't many opportunities of observing.”
“Yes, I think quite as many ladies as men. More, indeed, as far as my small experience goes.”
“You really maintain deliberately that you have met people—men and women—who can talk to you or anyone else for a quarter of an hour quite honestly, and say nothing at all which they don't mean—nothing for the sake of flattery, or effect, for instance?”
“Oh dear me, yes, often.”