Selfish people always like to talk about themselves . '' `` Am I selfish ? '' the question slipped out involuntarily and in a tone of surprise , for the one virtue on which he prided himself was generosity . `` Yes , very selfish , '' continued Amy , in a calm , cool voice , twice as effective just then as an angry one . `` I 'll show you how , for I 've studied you while we were frolicking , and I 'm not at all satisfied with you . Here you have been abroad nearly six months , and done nothing but waste time and money and disappoint your friends . '' `` Is n't a fellow to have any pleasure after a four-year grind ? '' `` You do n't look as if you 'd had much . At any rate , you are none the better for it , as far as I can see . I said when we first met that you had improved . Now I take it all back , for I do n't think you half so nice as when I left you at home . You have grown abominably lazy , you like gossip , and waste time on frivolous things , you are contented to be petted and admired by silly people , instead of being loved and respected by wise ones . With money , talent , position , health , and beauty , ah you like that old Vanity ! But it 's the truth , so I ca n't help saying it , with all these splendid things to use and enjoy , you can find nothing to do but dawdle , and instead of being the man you ought to be , you are only ... '' there she stopped , with a look that had both pain and pity in it . `` Saint Laurence on a gridiron , '' added Laurie , blandly finishing the sentence . But the lecture began to take effect , for there was a wide-awake sparkle in his eyes now and a half-angry , half-injured expression replaced the former indifference . `` I supposed you 'd take it so . You men tell us we are angels , and say we can make you what we will , but the instant we honestly try to do you good , you laugh at us and wo n't listen , which proves how much your flattery is worth . '' Amy spoke bitterly , and turned her back on the exasperating martyr at her feet . In a minute a hand came down over the page , so that she could not draw , and Laurie 's voice said , with a droll imitation of a penitent child , `` I will be good , oh , I will be good ! ''
But XXXXX did not laugh , for she was in earnest , and tapping on the outspread hand with her pencil , said soberly , `` Are n't you ashamed of a hand like that ?
Amy Laurence Laurie first four-year gridiron half-angry left minute months