"I have a mother; but I haven't seen her for years; and I don't much
care if I never see her. It was through her that I came to be what I
am."

"Are you then dissatisfied with your profession?"

"No--I don't mean that. I am always saying stupid things."

"Yes. That comes of your ignorance of a sex accustomed to have its
silliness respected. You will find it hard to keep on good terms
with my friend without some further study of womanly ways."

"As to her, I won't give in that I'm wrong unless I AM wrong. The
truth's the truth."

"Not even to please Miss Goff?"

"Not even to please you. You'd only think the worse of me
afterwards."

"Quite true, and quite right," said Lydia, cordially. "Good-bye, Mr.
Cashel Byron. I must rejoin Miss Goff."

"I suppose you will take her part if she keeps a down on me for what
I said to her."

"What is 'a down'? A grudge?"

"Yes. Something of that sort."