`` Have I failed in politeness by not doing so ? I fear you would find me an insufferably dull companion . '' So he was not going to ask her after all . Violet felt piqued . She was also conscious of a sensation very near akin to disappointment . She looked across at Madison . How trim and dapper he was ! `` I hate a bandbox man , '' she said to herself . Spencer meanwhile had picked up one of Mrs. Hill 's novels from the stand beside him . '' Fools of Habit , '' he said , glancing at the cover . `` I see it is making quite a sensation down east . I suppose you 've read it ? '' `` Yes . It is very frivolous and clever -- all froth but delightful froth . Did you like it ? '' Spencer balanced the novel reflectively on his slender brown hand . `` Well , yes , rather . But I do n't care for novels as a rule . I do n't understand them . The hero of this book , now -- do you believe that a man in love would act as he did ? ''
`` I do n't know , '' XXXXX Violet amusedly .
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