"Not at all, Maria; no man relishes honesty more than he does. He only
speaks in this fashion because he thinks that honest men are scarce, and
so they are. But, by-the-way, talking about Hycy Burke, Maria, how do
you like him?"
"I can't say I admire him," she replied, "but you know I have had very
slight opportunities of forming any opinion."
"From what you have seen of him, what do you think?"
"Let me see," she replied, pausing; "why, that he'll meet very few who
will think so highly of him as he does of himself."
"He thinks very highly of you, then."
"How do you know that?" she asked somewhat quickly.
"Faith, Maria, from the best authority--because he himself told me so."
"So, then, I have had the honor of furnishing you with a topic of
conversation?"
"Unquestionably, and you may prepare yourself for a surprise. He's
attached to you."
"I think not," she replied calmly.
"Why so?" he asked.
"Because, if you wish to know the truth, I do not think him capable of
attachment to any one but himself."
"Faith, a very good reason, Maria; but, seriously, if he should
introduce the subject, I trust, at all events, that you will treat him
with respect."
"I shall certainly respect myself, Harry. He need not fear that I shall
read him one of my uncle's lectures upon life and honesty.
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