This sort of smart talk is _my_ form of conceit.
Can I be of use to you in some better way?
Are you looking for one of our young ladies ?" Francine began to feel a certain reluctant interest in him when he spoke of "our young ladies." She asked if he belonged to the school.
The corners of his mouth turned up again.

"I'm one of the masters," he said.

"Are _you_ going to belong to the school, too ?" Francine bent her head, with a gravity and condescension intended to keep him at his proper distance.

Far from being discouraged, he permitted his curiosity to take additional liberties.

"Are you to have the misfortune of being one of my pupils ?" he asked.
"I don't know who you are." "You won't be much wiser when you do know.