Her breath came and went quickly--her eyes shone dewily like stars in a summer haze,--she was deeply interested.
"That was--and _is_--a conceited notion, of course,"-- went on Angus, reflectively--"And I don't excuse it.

But I'm not one of the 'meek who shall inherit the earth.' I'm a robustious combustious sort of chap--if a fellow knocks me down, I jump up and give it him back with as jolly good interest as I can--and if anyone plays me a dirty trick I'll move all the mental and elemental forces of the universe to expose him.
That's my way--unfortunately----" "Why 'unfortunately' ?" asked Helmsley.
Reay threw back his head and indulged in one of his mellow peals of laughter.
"Can you ask why?
Oh David, good old David!--it's easy to see you don't know much of the world! If you did, you'd realise that the best way to 'get on' in the usual way of worldly progress, is to make up to all sorts of social villains and double-dyed millionaire-scoundrels, find out all their tricks and their miserable little vices and pamper them, David!--pamper them and flatter them up to the top of their bent till you've got them in your power--and then--then _use_ them--use them for everything you want.

For once you know what blackguards they are, they'll give you anything not to tell!" "I should be sorry to think that's true,"-- murmured Mary.
"Don't think it, then,"-- said Angus--"You needn't,--because millionaires are not likely to come in your way.

Nor in mine--now.

I've cut myself adrift from all chance of ever meeting them.