Stung already! I thought.

Already the little asp of jealousy commenced its bitter work! The trifling favor HIS light-o'-love and MY wife had extended to me in choosing MY arm instead of HIS as a momentary support had evidently been sufficient to pique his pride.

God! what blind bats men are! With all their high capabilities and immortal destinies, with all the world before them to conquer, they can sink unnerved and beaten down to impotent weakness before the slighting word or insolent gesture of a frivolous feminine creature, whose best devotions are paid to the mirror that reflects her in the most becoming light! How easy would be my vengeance, I mused, as I watched Ferrari.

I touched him on the shoulder; he started from his uncomfortable reverie and forced a smile.
I held out a cigar-case.
"What are you dreaming of ?" I asked him, laughingly.

"Hebe as she waited on the gods, or Venus as she rose in bare beauty from the waves?
Either, neither, or both?
I assure you a comfortable smoke is as pleasant in its way as the smile of a woman." He took a cigar and lighted it, but made no answer.
"You are dull, my friend," I continued, gayly, hooking my arm through his and pacing him up and down on the turf in front of his studio.
"Wit, they say, should be sharpened by the glance of a bright eye; how comes it that the edge of your converse seems blunted?
Perhaps your feelings are too deep for words?
If so, I do not wonder at it, for the lady is extremely lovely." He glanced quickly at me.
"Did I not say so ?" he exclaimed.