Mr. Jarvis—I just live on flattery.
Miss Paysley (with conviction)—You drink it in by the pailful! You don’t mind if it’s put on with a butter knife!
Mr. Jarvis (who has gotten more and more interested)—What becomes of my strength then?
Miss Paysley—Oh, you only live on flattery when you are starved for legitimate appreciation. (Aside.) I think I got out of that rather neatly. (Aloud.) You are really idealistic, with a good deal of sentiment, and, selfish as you are, you have a heart.
Mr. Jarvis (gratefully)—Thank you for the heart.
Miss Paysley—You like to have people think you are cynical and light-minded. You only show your real self to a few people.
Mr. Jarvis—He sounds to me like a prig and a bore.
Miss Paysley (with more warmth than she has shown yet)—He’s a charming and delightful person. It’s the man of the world with the-smile-that-won’t-come-off that’s the bore!
Mr. Jarvis—Have you found me so?
Miss Paysley (steadily)—Not when I’ve read between the lines.