Try! I
can stand it as long as you can.'
"`Well, then,' said Hollins, `I think you are a very ordinary man.
I derive no intellectual benefit from my intercourse with you, but
your house is convenient to me. I'm under no obligations for your
hospitality, however, because my company is an advantage to you.
Indeed if I were treated according to my deserts, you couldn't do
enough for me.'
"Mrs. Shelldrake was up in arms.
"`Indeed,' she exclaimed, `I think you get as good as you deserve,
and more too.'
"`Elvira,' said he, with a benevolent condescension, `I have no
doubt you think so, for your mind belongs to the lowest and most
material sphere. You have your place in Nature, and you fill it;
but it is not for you to judge of intelligences which move only on
the upper planes.'
"`Hollins,' said Shelldrake, `Elviry's a good wife and a sensible
woman, and I won't allow you to turn up your nose at her.'
"`I am not surprised,' he answered, `that you should fail to stand
the test. I didn't expect it.'
"`Let me try it on YOU!' cried Shelldrake.
Pages:
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319