None the less, the homely woman meant nothing to him.

And the passionate woman meant much.

He heard family discussions of this and that sacrificial soul among women, as well as among men--women who toiled and slaved for their husbands or children, or both, who gave way to relatives or friends in crises or crucial moments, because it was right and kind to do so--but somehow these stories did not appeal to him.

He preferred to think of people--even women--as honestly, frankly self-interested.

He could not have told you why.