My father used to say that anybody who could use an anaesthetic was the equal of any graduate physician--" "Louis! What do you mean ?" But his head was bent again in that curious attitude of listening; and after a moment he made an almost imperceptible gesture of acquiescence, and turned to her with the old, easy, half-impudent, half-challenging air.
"Gray has a butterfly in his collection which shows four distinct forms.
Once people thought these forms were distinct species; now they know they all are the same species of butterfly in various suits of disguise--just as you might persuade yourself that unhappiness and happiness are radically different.

But some people find satisfaction in being unhappy, and some find it in being happy; and as it's all only the gratification of that imperious egotism we call conscience, the specific form of all is simply ethical selfishness." He laughed unrestrainedly at his own will-o'-the-wisp philosophy, looking very handsome and care-free there where the noon sun slanted across the white arcade all thick with golden jasmine bloom.
And Shiela, too intelligent to mistake him, smiled a little at his gay perversity.
* * * * * He met Portlaw, later, at the Beach Club for luncheon; and, as the latter looked particularly fat, warm, and worried, Malcourt's perverse humour remained in the ascendant, and he tormented Portlaw until that badgered gentleman emitted a bellow of exasperation.
"What on earth's the matter ?" asked Malcourt in pretended astonishment.
"I thought I was being funny." "Funny! Does a man want to be prodded with wit at his own expense when the market is getting funnier every hour--at his expense?
Go and look at the tape if you want to know why I don't enjoy either your wit or this accursed luncheon." "What's happening, Portlaw ?" "I wish you'd tell me." "Muck-raking ?" "Partly, I suppose." "Administration ?" "People say so.

I don't believe it.

There's a rotten lot of gambling going on.

How do I know what's the matter ?" "Perhaps there isn't anything the matter, old fellow." "Well, there is.