"Well, if that isn't the most astonishing thing I ever heard!"

"I don't see why it is. You say you thought you had met me before. As
you are a man no doubt you have forgotten it. I say I think I have met
that young lady before. As she is a woman I don't think she will have
forgotten. If you have any interest in the matter at all you might
inquire."

"I shall do nothing of the sort."

"Well, of course, I said I thought you hadn't very much interest. I only
supposed the case."

"It is not that I have not the interest, but it is that I prefer to go
to the person who can best answer my question if she chooses to do so.
If she doesn't choose to answer me, then I don't choose to learn."

"Now, I like that ever so much," said the young lady; "if you will get
me another cup of coffee I shall be exceedingly obliged to you. My
excuse is that these cups are very small, and the coffee is very good."

"I am sure you don't need any excuse," replied Morris, springing to his
feet, "and I am only too happy to be your steward without the hope of
the fee at the end of the voyage."

When he returned she said, "I think we had better stop the personal
conversation into which we have drifted. It isn't at all pleasant to
me, and I don't think it is very agreeable to you. Now, I intended this
morning to give you a lesson on American literature. I feel that you
need enlightening on the subject, and that you have neglected your