Very few of us do not enjoy a real compliment.
What makes a compliment uncomfortable is either a suspicion that the maker doesn't mean it, or a knowledge that it is not merited.
Peter went at once to his room on reaching the hotel in Saratoga, intending to make up the sleep of which his long "think" the night before had robbed him.

But scarcely had the colored gentleman bowed himself out, after the usual "can I git de gentleman a pitcher of ice water" (which translated means: "has de gentleman any superfluous change ?") when a knock came at the door.

Peter opened it, to find a man outside.
"Is this Mr.Stirling's room ?" inquired the individual.
"Yes." "Can I see him ?" "Come in." Peter moved his bag off one of his chairs, and his hat and overcoat off the other.
"Mr.Stirling," said the stranger as he sat down, "I am Senator Maguire, and am, as perhaps you know, one of Porter's managers." "Yes." "We understand that you are friendly to us.

Now, I needn't say that New York is otherwise a unit in opposing us." "No," said Peter.

"My fellow-delegates from the sixth, Schlurger and Kennedy, stand as I do!" "Are you sure ?" "Yes." "The change must have been very sudden.