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 short, has an eye for generalities; while a woman will pounce upon your most abstract remark, try it on before the nearest mirror, and, finding it unbecoming, will lay the blame on you!

I returned to “Sans Souci,” after the brief interview recorded above, more than ever out of humour with the unfair sex. I was excessively annoyed — ten per cent, by the recollection of Miss Berrith’s remarks, and ninety per cent, by the knowledge that it was in her power to annoy me. The persons with this power are the most dangerous enemies to one’s peace of mind. I can view with composure the existence of incendiaries, train-robbers and assassins: but I am unable to tolerate the thought of scandal-mongers, bores, and pert young women. You never find anyone with sufficient grounds of complaint against basilisks, werwolves, or the sea-serpent: but there is a deal of legitimate objection to the domesticated mosquito.