“Let me see,” she replied, pausing; “why, that he'll meet very few who will think so highly of him as he does of himself.”
“He thinks very highly of you, then.”
“How do you know that?” she asked somewhat quickly.
“Faith, Maria, from the best authority—because he himself told me so.”
“So, then, I have had the honor of furnishing you with a topic of conversation?”
“Unquestionably, and you may prepare yourself for a surprise. He's attached to you.”
“I think not,” she replied calmly.
“Why so?” he asked.
“Because, if you wish to know the truth, I do not think him capable of attachment to any one but himself.”
“Faith, a very good reason, Maria; but, seriously, if he should introduce the subject, I trust, at all events, that you will treat him with respect.”