r laughter. Humanity is a delectable
spectacle if we but have the gift to observe it in a dispassionate
spirit. Such a gift have I cultivated. The squirming of the human worm
is interesting to observe, and the practice of observing it has this
advantage, that while we observe it we forget to squirm ourselves."

"The bitterness of your words belies their purport."

He shrugged and smiled. "But proves my contention. That I might explain
myself, you made me for a moment serious, set me squirming in my turn."

She moved a little, and he fell into step beside her. A little while
there was silence.

Presently--"You find me, no doubt, as amusing as any other of your human
worms," said she.

"God forbid!" he answered soberly.

She laughed. "You make an exception in my case, then. That is a subtle
flattery!"

"Have I not said that I had judged you to be an exceptional woman?"

"Exceptionally foolish, not a doubt."

"Exceptionally beautiful; exceptionally admirable," he corrected.

"A clumsy compliment, devoid of wit!"

"When we grow truthful, it may be forgiven us if we fall short of wit."

"That were an argument in favor of avoiding truth."

"Were it necessary," said he. "For truth is seldom so intrusive as to
need avoiding. But we are straying. There was a score upon which
you were inquisitive, you said; from which I take it that you sought
knowledge at my hands. Pray seek it; I am a well, of knowledge."

"I desired to know--Nay, but I have asked you already. I desired to know
did you deem me a very pitiful little fool?"

They had reached the privet hedge, and turned. They paused now before
resuming their walk. He paused, also, before replying. Then:

"I should judge you wise in most things," he answered slowly,
critically. "But in the matter to which I owe the blessing of having
served you, I do not think you wise. Did you--do you love Lord
Rotherby?"

"What if so?"

"After what you have learned, I should account you still less wise."

"You are impertinent, sir," she reproved him.

"Nay, most pertinent. Did you not ask me to sit in judgment upon this
matter? And unless you confess to me, how am I to absolve you?"

"I did not crave your absolution. You take too much upon yourself."

"So said Lord Rotherby. You seem to have something in common when all is
said."

She bit her lip in chagrin. They paced in silence to the lawn's end, and
turned again. Then: "You treat me like a fool," she reproved him.