"
"But if you dislike the sea so much why do you come here?"
"Oh," laughed the handsome lady, "that is the fault of my doctors.
They sent me to the sea to thin me down, and by their orders I was
to choose a very dull, very remote bathing place, where I should be
sure not to meet any acquaintances. For directly I have friends
about me, I enjoy myself, laugh, talk, and then I get stout again.
Now to-day, for instance, I have acted contrary to my medical
orders--I have had a very pleasant chat with you."
"You are too kind. You have given everything and received nothing in
return."
"That is exactly what I like--always to give, never to receive."
"That is not woman's way usually. But you are very exceptional.
Pardon a possibly indiscreet question--do you write?"
"Good gracious! Do I look like a blue-stocking?"
"I never made a distinct picture of that type."
"You need not be afraid, I am not an authoress. The most I have ever
done in that way was to give a novelist, or a comedy-writer of my
acquaintance, a little help now and then. When they want a lady's
letter, they like me to write it. But you--I suppose you are an
author?"
"No, madame; I study natural science."
"A professor then?"
"No, only an amateur.
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