ance was leaning on a parapet, her arms folded.

"I'm sorry you so understood me," she said, though without the accent
of penitence, for in truth she seemed quietly amused. "All I meant was
that you were admirably quick in seizing an opportunity of beginning
your propaganda."

"I don't think you meant only that," remarked Dyce, coolly, looking her
in the eyes.

"Is it your habit to contradict so grossly?" asked Constance, with a
cold air of surprise.

"I try to make my talk--especially with women as honest as I can. It
seems mere justice to them, as well as to myself. And please observe
that I did _not_ grossly contradict you. I said that you _seemed_ to me
to have another thought in your mind beyond the one you admitted.--Tell
me, please; do you exact courtiership from men? I imagined you would
rather dislike it."

"You are right; I do."

"Then it's clear that you mustn't be annoyed when I speak in my natural
way. I see no reason in the world why one shouldn't talk to a
woman--about things in general--exactly as one does to a man. What is
called chivalry is simply disguised contempt. If a man bows and honeys
to a woman, he does so because he thinks she has such a poor
understanding that this kind of thing will flatter and please her. For
my own part, I shall never try to please a woman by any other methods
than those which would win the regard and friendship of a man."

Constance wore a look of more serious attention.

"If you stick to that," she said, with a frank air, "you will be a man
worth knowing."

"I'm very glad to hear you say so. Now that we've cleared the air, we
shall get on better together. Let me tell you that, whatever else I may
fall short in, I have the virtue of sincerity. You know well enough
that I am naturally ambitious, but my ambition has never made me
unprincipled. I aim at distinction, because I believe that nature has
put it within my reach. I don't regard myself as an average man,
because I can't; it would be practising hypocrisy with myself. There
is--if you like--the possibility of self-deception. Perhaps I am misled
by egregious conceit. Well, it is honest conceit, and, as it tends to
my happiness, I don't pray to be delivered from it."

Constance smiled.

"This is very interesting, Mr. Lashmar. But why do you honour me with
such confidence?"

"Because I think you and I are capable of understanding each other,
which is a rare thing between man and woman. I want you as a sup