Weiler means to pay you a compliment, Mary. He has a peculiar manner.
WEILER.
That is true. It does not matter whether the flattery is coarse or fine.
If a woman only notices that one means to flatter her, she is satisfied.
It is just as when boys stroke a kitten. Whether they pet it gently or
roughly, whether it likes it or not, it cannot help purring.
MARY.
And I presume you mean to pet me with this comparison.
WEILER.
If you feel obliged to purr it must have been a petting.
MARY (looking out of the window).
He is coming, mother.