I don't want her in my family." "Anything against her character ?" To better conceal the keen interest she took in the personal turn the conversation had taken, Shirley pretended to be more busy than ever with the papers.
"Yes--that is no--not that I know of," replied Ryder.

"But because a woman has a good character, that doesn't necessarily make her a desirable match, does it ?" "It's a point in her favor, isn't it ?" "Yes--but--" He hesitated as if uncertain what to say.
"You know men well, don't you, Mr.Ryder ?" "I've met enough to know them pretty well," he replied.
"Why don't you study women for a change ?" she asked.

"That would enable you to understand a great many things that I don't think are quite clear to you now." Ryder laughed good humouredly.

It was decidedly a novel sensation to have someone lecturing him.
"I'm studying you," he said, "but I don't seem to make much headway.

A woman like you whose mind isn't spoiled by the amusement habit has great possibilities--great possibilities.