So I gave my lost stranger a lesson in politeness. The lesson took the form of a trap. I asked him if he would like me to show him the way to the inn. He was still annoyed at losing himself.
As I had anticipated, he bluntly answered: "Yes.""When you were a boy, and you wanted something," I said, "did your mother teach you to say 'Please'?"He positively blushed. "She did," he admitted; "and she taught me to say 'Beg your pardon' when I was rude. I'll say it now: 'Beg your pardon.' "This curious apology increased my belief in his redeeming qualities. I led the way to the inn. He followed me in silence.
No woman who respects herself can endure silence when she is in the company of a man. I made him talk.
