It is apt to be the other people one finds, as a rule." "Cynicism is not appropriate to your character, Mr.Barker." "No.

I hate cynical men.

It is generally affectation, and it is always nonsense.

But I think the wrong people have a way of turning up at the wrong moment." After a pause, during which Mr.Barker lighted a cigar and extended his thin legs and trim little feet on a chair in front of him, he continued: "Professor, have you a very strong and rooted dislike to the society of women ?" Assailed by this point-blank question, the Doctor put his bit of paper inside his book, and drumming on the table with his pencil, considered a moment.

Mr.Barker puffed at his cigar with great regularity.
"No," said Claudius at last, "certainly not.