"Of course, I'm vindictive--that's a part of the swashbuckling character; it goes with the ruffles, the jack boots, and the swagger.
It is a luxury of which I am extremely jealous." Bringing his attention back to the girl, he smiled and his manner changed abruptly.

"There! I've proved it all by talking about myself when I'm interested only in you.

However, it is sometimes easier to sell a thing by frankly decrying it than by covering up its bad points, and I'm trying desperately to make a good impression upon you.

Now then, I'm tremendously interested in what you have told me about yourself, and I'm sure you are a better oil man--oil girl--than you have led me to suppose.

But these are no times for social pleasantries.