First, he let fall a sneering word or two upon the female intellect; thence he proceeded to a closer engagement; and before the third course he was artfully dissecting Seraphina's character to her approving husband.

Of course no names were used; and of course the identity of that abstract or ideal man, with whom she was currently contrasted, remained an open secret.

But this stiff old gentleman had a wonderful instinct for evil, thus to wind his way into man's citadel; thus to harp by the hour on the virtues of his hearer and not once alarm his self-respect.

Otto was all roseate, in and out, with flattery and Tokay and an approving conscience.

He saw himself in the most attractive colours.