“I could as soon believe in the heathen mythology! I like the man who is kind to me while he is doing the kindness, and I could, if occasion served, be kind to him in turn; but to say that I could retain such a memory of the service after years that it would renew in me the first pleasant sensations it created, and with these sensations the goodwill to requite them, is downright rubbish. You might as well tell me that I could get drank simply by remembering the orgie I assisted at ten years ago.” “I protest against your sentiment and your logic too.” “Then we won't dispute the matter. We'll talk of something we can agree upon. Let us abuse Sara.” “If you do, you'll choose some other place to do it.” “What, do you mean to tell me that you can stand the haughty airs and proud pretensions of the young Jewess?” “I mean to tell you that I know nothing of the Fräulein Oppovich but what is amiable and good.” “What do I care for amiable and good? I want a girl to be graceful, well-mannered, pleasing, lively to talk, and eager to listen. There, now, don't get purple about the cheeks, and flash at me such fiery looks. Here's the champagne, and we 'll drink a bumper to her.” “Take some other name for your toast, or I 'll fling your bottle out of the window.” “You will, will you!” said he, setting down his glass, and measuring me from head to foot. “I swear it” “I like that spirit, Digby; I'll be shot if I don't,” said he, taking my hand, which I did not give very willingly. “You are just what I was some fifteen or twenty years ago,--warm, impulsive, and headstrong. It's the world--that vile old mill, the world--grinds that generous nature out of one! I declare I don't believe that a spark of real trustfulness survives a man's first moustaches,--and yours are very faint, very faint indeed; there 's a suspicion of smut on the upper lip, and some small capillary flourishes along your cheek. That wine is too sweet. I 'll return to the Bordeaux.” “I grieve to say I have no more than that bottle of it. It was some I bought when I was ill and threatened with ague.”