"I'm in a quandary," Cosden began without preliminaries as soon as Edith had adjusted herself where she would appear to best advantage. "I have an idea that you can help me out."
"First aid to the wounded is right in my line," Edith assured him helpfully.
Even with the inspiration which expectancy on the part of an audience is always supposed to give a speaker, Cosden's fluency became somewhat modified when he actually touched upon his main topic.
"I'm a peculiar sort of man, I've no doubt—"
"I wouldn't give a snap of my finger for a man who didn't possess individuality," she interrupted emphatically.
"Well, perhaps it is more than individuality. Men seem to understand me all right, but I've never had a sister, and I've been too tied down by my business to cultivate women. I'm a man's man—I suppose that about expresses it."
"That's a good recommendation; look at my brother,—he's a lady's man. Would you change individualities with Ricky?"
"Perhaps not," Cosden said guardedly; "still in this matter your brother could probably give me a pointer or two.—Hang it all! when I talk to a man I don't have any difficulty in making myself understood, but here I am, floundering round with you like a school-boy!"
"Just imagine for the moment that I am a man and that you are talking to me about some one else—"
"That's it exactly; I knew you would understand. I thought Monty would help me out, but he absolutely refuses to take me seriously. The truth of the matter is that I've decided to get married."