LADY (_very quickly_). Not at all, sir; on the contrary! No--that is-- GENTLEMAN. Permit me to continue. That interest, I repeat, comes naturally to _you,_ blessed, as I'm sure you are, with so sweet, so gentle, so affectionate a disposition. LADY (_very quickly_). Quite the reverse, I assure you, sir--I've a dreadful temper! GENTLEMAN. Again: that charming hand is not less characteristic; it requires but one glance at those delicately tapered fingers-- (_About to take her hand; LADY hastily withdraws it._) LADY (_aside_). I do believe the man's going to make love to me! GENTLEMAN. But stay: I see one line here that is singularly prominent; permit me (_taking LADY'S hand_). LADY (_aside_). I'm quite at his mercy! Not the slightest use my screaming! GENTLEMAN (_looking at her hand_). Yes, a very sudden intersection, threatening, I fear, some personal danger. LADY (_alarmed_). Yes, very likely! (_Aside._) How intently he fixes his eyes on my diamond ring! GENTLEMAN. But were you not saying that you had once been exposed to some peril in travelling? LADY. Yes; but I was not _alone_ then. GENTLEMAN. The "late lamented," I presume? LADY. Yes; we were attacked by robbers in crossing the Pyrenees! (_Very quickly._) Not that I particularly object to robbers! In fact, I rather like them! (_Aside._) I may as well try what a little flattery will do. GENTLEMAN (_still holding her hand_). You have a remarkably fine diamond here, madam! LADY. Yes, a very good _imitation,_ isn't it? GENTLEMAN. Excuse me. I cannot mistake a diamond--no, no; I've had too many pass through my hands to do that! LADY (_aside_). I'm afraid he has! GENTLEMAN. And yet there's a flaw in it--if you'll allow me, I'll point it out to you. (_Looking about, then suddenly taking up the paper-knife; the LADY screams._) I'm afraid I alarmed you! LADY (_trying to be calm_). Oh dear no! and if you've quite done examining my hand-- GENTLEMAN. Quite, madam! (_releasing her hand_). LADY. And you detect no further threatening of--personal danger? GENTLEMAN. None whatever! LADY. Then you are a believer in spiritualism and phrenology, and all that sort of thing? GENTLEMAN. Certainly I am! May I ask, madam, if you have ever examined the head of a criminal? LADY (_shocked_). Never, sir! GENTLEMAN. Perhaps you have never even been brought into personal contact with one? LADY. Certainly not, sir; though I'm sure I should feel the greatest pity for him--I should, indeed! (_in a commiserating tone_). GENTLEMAN. Understand me; I don't allude to the _milder_ class of criminals, such as thieves, robbers, forgers, burglars, and such like; but one of those desperate fellows who--who--in fact, who _stick at nothing!_ By-the-bye, I have a collection here of photographs of some of our most notorious criminals, which I think would interest you. LADY (_shuddering_). Yes--intensely!