"Your observations do not interest me." Patty's air was lofty, she looked away into space, as if bored to death with her companion. "Would it interest you to know that I know Sam Blaney to be a fraud and a dishonest man?" "I have heard you say that one's friends should be sacred from disparaging remarks." "True enough. But, in the first place, Blaney isn't my friend, and even if he were, I should sacrifice him or his friendship for you." "Why?" "Never mind why. Oh, Patty, rely on my judgment, rely on my word in this matter, and don't have anything more to do with that rubbish bunch!" "Look here, Little Billee, if that's all the subject you can find to talk about, I believe I'd rather go back and dance. I'm rested now." "Sit still, Lady Gay. While we're on this subject, we're going to fight it to a finish." "You mean you're going to fight me to a finish. Go on, it won't take long." "You poor little girl,--you are tired, I know. Well, to make a long story short, then, you must break with these Cosmic people, because, if you don't, it will harm your social standing and injure your reputation." "Why? They're absolutely correct and high-minded. They're a little unconventional, maybe, but they're interesting and worth while." "But they're frauds, Patty. And they've taken you up, because you're a social favourite, and you add lustre to their list." "And they don't care for me, personally!" "Now, don't flare up. Of course they like you, personally,--who doesn't? But they make you think you're brainy and soulful and a little old deep-thinker--and,--you're not, you know." "Well! You _are_ complimentary! What am I, pray? An ignoramus?" "Hardly that. You're the sweetest, loveliest girl God ever made, but you're not a blue-stocking. You're not college bred, or even well-read." "Do you know you're a very horrid person? Do you know I wouldn't stand such talk from many people?" "I should hope not. Very few people know you well enough or love you well enough to tell you these truths." "I know somebody who loves me too much to talk to me like that." "Van Reypen, of course. But, Patty, he doesn't approve of the Blaney crowd, either, and you know it." "That's because he doesn't understand them, and----" "Wait a minute. Just what do you mean by understand them? They speak English, I suppose." "How dense you are! There is much beside language of _words_ to be understood by kindred----" "Don't you dare say souls!" "I will,--I _do_ say _souls_! That's what has no meaning for you!" "Go on, Posy Face! You're pretty stunning when you get really stirred up!" Farnsworth's face broke into a broad smile, and Patty was so amazed at his sudden change of manner that it irritated her. "Oh, I am, am I! Well, other people have thought so, too. To the extent of putting it into poetry--real poetry!" "Such as what?"