not as awkward as they
say. As for sentiment, on the other hand, there is not one of these
stage dames whom we cannot cap.

_I._--What do you mean by all that? Is it irony or truth?

_He._--The worst of it is that this deuced sentiment is all
internal, and not a glimpse of it appears outside; but I who am now
talking to you, I know, and know well, that she has it. If it is
not that, you should see, if a fit of ill-humour comes on, how we
treat the valets, how the waiting-maids are cuffed and trounced,
what kicks await our good friend, if he fails in an atom of that
respect which is our due. 'Tis a little demon, I tell you, full of
sentiment and dignity. Ah, you don't quite know where you are, eh?

_I._--I confess I can hardly make out whether you are speaking in
good faith or in malice. I am a plain man. Be kind enough to be a
little more outspoken, and to leave your art behind for once....

_He._--What is it? why it is what we retail before our little
patroness about the Dangeville or the Clairon, mixed up here and
there with a word or two to put you on the scent. I will allow you
to take me for a good-for-nothing, but not for a fool; and 'tis
only a fool, or a man eaten up with conceit, who could say such a
parcel of impertinences seriously.

_I._--But how do people ever bring themselves to say them?

_He._--It is not done all at once, but little by little you come to
it. _Ingenii largitor venter._

_I._--Then hunger must press you very hard.

_He._--That may be; yet strong as you may think them, be sure that
those to whom they are addressed are much more accustomed to listen
to them than we are to hazard them.

_I._--Is there anybody who has courage to be of your opinion?

_He._--What do you mean by anybody? It is the sentiment and
language of the whole of society.

_I._--Those of you who are not great rascals must be great fools.

_He._--Fools! I assure you there is only one, and that is he who
feasts us to cheat him.

_I._--But how can people allow themselves to be cheated in such
gross fashion? For surely the superiority of the Dangeville and the
Clairon is a settled thing.

_He._--We swallow until we are full to the throat any lie that
flatters us, and take drop by drop a truth that is bitter to us.
And th