I don't suppose you wish me to string you off a dozen mere banalites--'She 's a charming girl--evidently a superior person--has a great deal of style.'" "Oh no," said Gordon; "I know all that.

But, at any rate," he added, "you like her, eh ?" "I do more," said Longueville.

"I admire her." "Is that doing more ?" asked Gordon, reflectively.
"Well, the greater, whichever it is, includes the less." "You won't commit yourself," said Gordon.

"My dear Bernard," he added, "I thought you knew such an immense deal about women!" Gordon Wright was of so kindly and candid a nature that it is hardly conceivable that this remark should have been framed to make Bernard commit himself by putting him on his mettle.

Such a view would imply indeed on Gordon's part a greater familiarity with the uses of irony than he had ever possessed, as well as a livelier conviction of the irritable nature of his friend's vanity.