"These things--what are they ?" Rowland asked.
"They are women, principally, and what relates to women.

Women for you, by what I can make out, mean nothing.

You have no imagination--no sensibility!" "That 's a serious charge," said Rowland, gravely.
"I don't make it without proof!" "And what is your proof ?" Roderick hesitated a moment.

"The way you treated Christina Light.

I call that grossly obtuse." "Obtuse ?" Rowland repeated, frowning.
"Thick-skinned, beneath your good fortune." "My good fortune ?" "There it is--it 's all news to you! You had pleased her.