"I fight only with men, and then with such as can show beards."
"For the lack of the beard," said I, "you have to thank my razor."
"Indeed," he said; "then the razor must be like my Lord Chancellor, and do little work."
"You have a pretty wit, sir!"
"I have often been commended for it."
"Doubtless by men, then," said I, "for it bites too sharply for women."
"Nay, you mistake, for women are my greatest flatterers." He smiled so grossly at the girl that if my life had had to answer for it I could not have held my tongue.
"Is it a woman's way to flatter by tears?" I asked.
"You young dog! If I had time and were unencumbered, I'd slit that saucy tongue of yours," he cried.
"I asked for information, sir, not for threats. I thought that in your charming society, which I enjoy immensely, women might find their pleasure in tears."