derable period of time, if one is to avoid
being befooled and made an ass of by it."

"Even in this," said Tussmann, "our grand Thomasius comes to our aid,
giving us completely adequate instruction as to how we are to
'converse' with ladies, in the most rational and delightful style; even
telling us exactly how and when to introduce the due amount of
playfulness and wit, suitable to the occasion. My author says, in his
fifth chapter, that one ought to be careful to introduce such jocular
sayings sparingly--as a cook uses salt; and that pointed speeches
should never be employed as weapons against others, but altogether in
our own defence--just as a hedgehog uses his spines. And also, that it
is wise to rely more upon the actions than upon the words; because it
is often the case that what is hidden by words is made evident by
actions, and that words very often do not do so much to awaken liking
or disliking as actions do."

"I see," the goldsmith said, "there is no getting anything like a rise
out of you. You are closed up in armour of proof. So I am prepared to
bet, heavily, that you have gained the affections of the lady of your
choice by means of those wonderfully deep diplomatic dodges of yours."

Tussmann answered, "I study to direct all my endeavours (following
Thomasius's advice) to attain a deferential, though kindly,
agreeableness of demeanour, that being the most natural and usual
indication of affection, and what is most adapted to awaken liking in
reciprocation: just as if you yawn, you will set an entire company
gaping too, from sympathy. But, reverentially as I follow his
instructions, I don't go too far; I always recollect that (as Thomasius
says) women are neither good angels nor bad angels, but mere human
beings; and, in fact, as regards strength of mind and body, weaker than
we are, which, of course, is fully accounted for by the diversity which
exists between the sexes."

"A black year come over you!" the old Jew cried wrathfully, "sitting
there chattering your cursed stuff and nonsense without a stop;
spoiling for me the good hour in which I hoped to enjoy myself a little
after all the hard work I've been going through."

"Hold your tongue, old man," the goldsmith said. "You ought to be very
thankful that we put up with you here. I can tell you your company is
anything but pleasant; your manners are so abominable. You ought to be
kicked out of decent society, if you had your deserts. Don't let the