Still, there is little doubt as to the proper method, for some of the radicals must necessarily appear in the result.  Man’s conceit is his social foundation and when the vulnerable spot is once found in the armour of Achilles, the overthrow of the strenuous Greek is near at hand.

There is nothing in the world as harmless and as utterly joyous as man’s conceit.  The woman who will not pander to it is ungracious indeed.

Man’s interest in himself is purely altruistic and springs from an unselfish desire to please.  He values physical symmetry because one’s first impression of him is apt to be favourable.  Manly accomplishments and evidences of good breeding are desirable for the same reason, and he likes to think his way of doing things is the best, regardless of actual effectiveness.

[Sidenote:  Pencils]

For instance, there seems to be no good reason why a man’s way of sharpening a pencil is any better than a woman’s.  It is difficult to see just why it is advisable to cover the thumb with powdered graphite, and expose that useful member to possible amputation by a knife directed uncompromisingly toward it, when the pencil might be pointed the other way, the risk of amputation avoided, and the shavings and pulverised graphite left safely to the action of gravitation and centrifugal force.  Yet the entire race of men refuse to see the true value of the feminine method, and, indeed, any man would rather sharpen any woman’s pencil than see her do it herself.

[Sidenote:  The “Supreme Conceit”]

It pleases a man very much to be told that he “knows the world,” even though his acquaintance be limited to the flesh and the devil—­a gentleman, by the way, who is much misunderstood and whose faults are persistently exaggerated.  But man’s supreme conceit is in regard to his personal appearance.  Let a single entry in a laboratory note-book suffice for proof.

Time, evening.  MAN is reading a story in a current magazine to the GIRL he is calling upon.

Man.  “Are you interested in this?”

Girl.  “Certainly, but I can think of other things too, can’t I?”

Man.  “That depends on the ‘other things.’  What are they?”

Girl. (Calmly.) “I was just thinking that you are an extremely handsome man, but of course you know that.”

Man. (Crimsoning to his temples.) “You flatter me!” (Resumes reading.)

Girl. (Awaits developments.)

Man. (After a little.) “I didn’t know you thought I was good-looking.”

Girl. (Demurely.) “Didn’t you?”

Man. (Clears his throat and continues the story.)

Man. (After a few minutes.) “Did you ever hear anybody else say that?”

Girl.  “Say what?”

Man.  “Why, that I was—­that I was—­well, good-looking, you know?”