Alpha Book

"Ah--then what I am thinking would not interest you."
"Why not?"
"Because if it is not flattering it would wound you, and if it is
flattering it would disappoint you--by falling short of your ideal of
yourself."
"Yet I confess that I would like to know what you think of me, though I
would much rather hear what you think of yourself."
"On one condition, I will tell you."
"What is that?"
"That you will give me your word to give me your own opinion of me
afterwards."
"The adjectives are ready, Madame, I give you my word."
"You give it so easily! How can I believe you?"
"It is so easy to give in such a case, when one has nothing disagreeable
to say."
"Then you think me agreeable?"
"Eminently!"
"And charming?"
"Perfectly!"
"And beautiful?"
"How can you doubt it?"
"And in all other respects exactly like all the women in society to whom
you repeat the same commonplaces every day of your life?"
The feint had been dexterous and the thrust was sudden, straight and
unexpected.


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