Those know better.

Nothing can beat a true woman for a clear vision of reality; I would say a cynical vision if I were not afraid of wounding your chivalrous feelings--for which, by the by, women are not so grateful as you may think, to fellows of your kind.

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"Upon my word, Marlow," I cried, "what are you flying out at me for like this?
I wouldn't use an ill-sounding word about women, but what right have you to imagine that I am looking for gratitude ?" Marlow raised a soothing hand.
"There! There! I take back the ill-sounding word, with the remark, though, that cynicism seems to me a word invented by hypocrites.

But let that pass.