After all, one hates to be beaten." Helen's eyes sparkled and she gave him a sympathetic nod.

"The hate of being beaten distinguishes man from the ape and puts him on the side of the angels." Then Miss Jardine came in, somewhat to the relief of Festing, who felt he could not keep up long on Helen's plane.

Besides, he was not altogether sure he understood her last remark.
"I heard," said Miss Jardine.

"Helen's sometimes improving, but perhaps she was right just now.

The ape is cunning but acquiescent and accepts things as they are.