"
"That's just it!" exclaimed Arkwright, misunderstanding her.
"After he has talked me into a state of collapse, every word about
himself and his career, I think it all over, and wonder whether
there's anything to the man or not. Sometimes I think there's a
real person beneath that flow of vanity. Then, again, I think
not."
"Whether he's an accident or a plan," mused the young woman; but
she saw that Arkwright did not appreciate the cleverness and the
penetration of her remark. Indeed, she knew in advance that he
would not, for she knew his limitations. "Now," thought she,
"Craig would have appreciated it--and clapped me on the arm--or
knee."
"Did you like Josh?" Grant was inquiring.
"Very much, indeed."
"Of course," said Arkwright satirically.
"He has ability to do things. He has strength. ... He isn't like
us."
Arkwright winced. "I'm afraid you exaggerate him, merely because
he's different."
"He makes me feel an added contempt for myself, somehow. Doesn't
he you?"
"I can't say he does," replied Arkwright, irritated. "I appreciate
his good qualities, but I can't help being offended and disturbed
for him by his crudities. He has an idea that to be polite and
well-dressed is to be weak and worthless.
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