"I'm not trying to get a rise out of you.

I'm in earnest.

What you want is some man who can have patience with mediocrity putting on the style of genius, and with genius turning mediocrity on his hands.

I haven't any luck with men; I don't get on with them; I'm not popular." Beaton recognized the fact with the satisfaction which it somehow always brings to human pride.
"So much the better!" Fulkerson was ready for him at this point.

"I don't want you to work the old-established racket the reputations.
When I want them I'll go to them with a pocketful of rocks--knock-down argument.