"Oh, no. I don't think so. By going and snubbing her, it shows that you are conforming to all the laws of politeness without conceding anything to wanton impropriety. Don't you see?"
"Hardly."
"Well, it does. And I have to go for business reasons. I have her husband's law business, and can't afford to lose it by not going."
"Wouldn't it make her husband angry for you to snub her?"
"Oh, no, it would rather please him. He is inclined to be jealous, and likes the men better who don't have anything to do with her. It would strengthen our business relations immensely."
"Maybe you are right," she added with resignation. "You lawyers have such peculiar arguments that I can't understand them."
"Yes, I know. Law is the science of reasoning—of getting at the fine, subtile points which other people can not see."
"Well, go, if you really think it's best," she said at last.
Tom tied a black bow around his collar and put on his tuxedo.
"Oh, Tom, what do you mean? You surely do not intend to wear your tuxedo and a black tie. I heard you say it was the worst of form at anything but a men's party."