He felt absurdly keen further to excite her friendliness and dispel her gravity.
"Only one must admit cousin Harriet is quite another story," he went on softly, saucily.

"Any conceit our dear Felicia rubs in to you, Harriet most effectually rubs out.

Isn't it so?
I am as a worm, a positive worm before her--can only 'tremble and obey' like the historic lady in the glee.

She flattens me.

I haven't an ounce of kick left in me.