`` Stir away , it wo n't hurt me and it may amuse you , as the big man said when his little wife beat him . Regard me in the light of a husband or a carpet , and beat till you are tired , if that sort of exercise agrees with you . '' Being decidedly nettled herself , and longing to see him shake off the apathy that so altered him , Amy sharpened both tongue and pencil , and began . `` Flo and I have got a new name for you . It 's Lazy Laurence . How do you like it ? '' She thought it would annoy him , but he only folded his arms under his head , with an imperturbable , `` That 's not bad . Thank you , ladies . '' `` Do you want to know what I honestly think of you ? '' `` Pining to be told . '' `` Well , I despise you . '' If she had even said ' I hate you ' in a petulant or coquettish tone , he would have laughed and rather liked it , but the grave , almost sad , accent in her voice made him open his eyes , and ask quickly ... `` Why , if you please ? '' `` Because , with every chance for being good , useful , and happy , you are faulty , lazy , and miserable . '' `` Strong language , mademoiselle . '' `` If you like it , I 'll go on . '' `` Pray do , it 's quite interesting . '' `` I thought you 'd find it so . 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 XXXXX , in a calm , cool voice , twice as effective just then as an angry one .
Amy Flo Laurence accent arms carpet ladies mademoiselle people tone