Page:Maud Howe - A Newport Aquarelle.djvu/94

 "And why do you think I was drawing you out?"

"Because you are aware that a man is never so agreeably employed as when expounding his own particular theory to an indulgent listener."

"In other words, you imagine that I was martyrizing myself by listening to your talk, in order that I might inspire you with the pleasant impression that you had succeeded in interesting me?"

"Yes."

"From what source have you drawn these conclusions?"

"From my former experience of the fair sex. A man may be flattered even when he is not deceived, Miss Carleton. It is a source of satisfaction to know that one has aroused a desire to please."

"You flatter yourself too much in this case, in fancying that I would take the trouble to counterfeit an interest I do not feel, to act a part, for your benefit."