I hate doing things that are useful and
I hate people that do useful things--in a general way, I mean."
"That is doubtless due to defective education," said Howard, with a smile
that carried off the thrust as a jest.
"Is that the way you'd describe a horror of contact with--well, with
unpleasant things?" Miss Trevor was serious.
"But is it that? Isn't it just an unconscious affectation, taken up simply
because all the people about you think that way--if one can call the
process thinking? You don't think, do you, that it is a sign of superiority
to be narrow, to be ignorant, to be out of touch with the great masses of
one's fellow-beings, to play the part of a harlequin or a ballet-girl on
the stage of life? I understand how a stupid ass can fritter away his one
chance to live in saying and hearing and doing silly things. But ought not
an intelligent person try to enjoy life, try to get something substantial
out of it, try to possess himself of its ideas and emotions? Why should one
play the fool simply because those about one are incapable of playing any
other part?"
"I'm surprised that you are here to-night. Still, I suppose you'll give
yourself absolution on the plea that one must dine somewhere."
"But I'm not wasting my time.
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