Chapter XVI · Chapter 16

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading No lover will long be successful unless he is a humourist too, and is able to keep the heart of love amused.

a theatrical performer

From this reading A lover should always be something of an actor as well; not, of course, for the purpose of feigning what he does not feel, but so that he may the better dramatise his sincerity!

plural of “advantage” — the quality of having a superior or more favorable position

From this reading Mike had therefore many advantages over those merely pretty fellows whose rivalry he had once been modest enough to fear.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

pleasantly occupied

From this reading No lover will long be successful unless he is a humourist too, and is able to keep the heart of love amused.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading A lover should always be something of an actor as well; not, of course, for the purpose of feigning what he does not feel, but so that he may the better dramatise his sincerity!

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading A lover should always be something of an actor as well; not, of course, for the purpose of feigning what he does not feel, but so that he may the better dramatise his sincerity!

getting two things to correspond

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

triteness or triviality of style

From this reading It is the gentle laugh, not violating, but just humanising, that very solemn kiss; the quip that just saves passion from toppling over the brink into bathos, that mark the skilful lover.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading No lover will long be successful unless he is a humourist too, and is able to keep the heart of love amused.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Mike had therefore many advantages over those merely pretty fellows whose rivalry he had once been modest enough to fear.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading A lover should always be something of an actor as well; not, of course, for the purpose of feigning what he does not feel, but so that he may the better dramatise his sincerity!

the two together, not just one

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

a region marking a boundary

From this reading It is the gentle laugh, not violating, but just humanising, that very solemn kiss; the quip that just saves passion from toppling over the brink into bathos, that mark the skilful lover.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

say something to someone that expresses praise

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading A lover should always be something of an actor as well; not, of course, for the purpose of feigning what he does not feel, but so that he may the better dramatise his sincerity!

dearly loved

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading A lover should always be something of an actor as well; not, of course, for the purpose of feigning what he does not feel, but so that he may the better dramatise his sincerity!

put into dramatic form

From this reading A lover should always be something of an actor as well; not, of course, for the purpose of feigning what he does not feel, but so that he may the better dramatise his sincerity!

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading Mike had therefore many advantages over those merely pretty fellows whose rivalry he had once been modest enough to fear.

at any time

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

intense or sharp

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading Mike had therefore many advantages over those merely pretty fellows whose rivalry he had once been modest enough to fear.

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading A lover should always be something of an actor as well; not, of course, for the purpose of feigning what he does not feel, but so that he may the better dramatise his sincerity!

pretending with intention to deceive

From this reading A lover should always be something of an actor as well; not, of course, for the purpose of feigning what he does not feel, but so that he may the better dramatise his sincerity!

plural of “fellow” — a boy or man

From this reading Mike had therefore many advantages over those merely pretty fellows whose rivalry he had once been modest enough to fear.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A lover should always be something of an actor as well; not, of course, for the purpose of feigning what he does not feel, but so that he may the better dramatise his sincerity!

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It is the gentle laugh, not violating, but just humanising, that very solemn kiss; the quip that just saves passion from toppling over the brink into bathos, that mark the skilful lover.

soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading It is the gentle laugh, not violating, but just humanising, that very solemn kiss; the quip that just saves passion from toppling over the brink into bathos, that mark the skilful lover.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Mike had therefore many advantages over those merely pretty fellows whose rivalry he had once been modest enough to fear.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading No lover will long be successful unless he is a humourist too, and is able to keep the heart of love amused.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading No lover will long be successful unless he is a humourist too, and is able to keep the heart of love amused.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It is the gentle laugh, not violating, but just humanising, that very solemn kiss; the quip that just saves passion from toppling over the brink into bathos, that mark the skilful lover.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

someone who acts speaks or writes in an amusing way

From this reading No lover will long be successful unless he is a humourist too, and is able to keep the heart of love amused.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading It is the gentle laugh, not violating, but just humanising, that very solemn kiss; the quip that just saves passion from toppling over the brink into bathos, that mark the skilful lover.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is the gentle laugh, not violating, but just humanising, that very solemn kiss; the quip that just saves passion from toppling over the brink into bathos, that mark the skilful lover.

and nothing more

From this reading It is the gentle laugh, not violating, but just humanising, that very solemn kiss; the quip that just saves passion from toppling over the brink into bathos, that mark the skilful lover.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading No lover will long be successful unless he is a humourist too, and is able to keep the heart of love amused.

the act of caressing with the lips (or an instance thereof)

From this reading It is the gentle laugh, not violating, but just humanising, that very solemn kiss; the quip that just saves passion from toppling over the brink into bathos, that mark the skilful lover.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

the sound of laughing

From this reading It is the gentle laugh, not violating, but just humanising, that very solemn kiss; the quip that just saves passion from toppling over the brink into bathos, that mark the skilful lover.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading No lover will long be successful unless he is a humourist too, and is able to keep the heart of love amused.

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

a person who loves someone or is loved by someone

From this reading It is the gentle laugh, not violating, but just humanising, that very solemn kiss; the quip that just saves passion from toppling over the brink into bathos, that mark the skilful lover.

engage in

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Mike had therefore many advantages over those merely pretty fellows whose rivalry he had once been modest enough to fear.

attach a tag or label to

From this reading It is the gentle laugh, not violating, but just humanising, that very solemn kiss; the quip that just saves passion from toppling over the brink into bathos, that mark the skilful lover.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading A lover should always be something of an actor as well; not, of course, for the purpose of feigning what he does not feel, but so that he may the better dramatise his sincerity!

and nothing more

From this reading Mike had therefore many advantages over those merely pretty fellows whose rivalry he had once been modest enough to fear.

device for converting sound waves into electrical energy

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

the number that is represented as a one followed by 6 zeros

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself

From this reading Mike had therefore many advantages over those merely pretty fellows whose rivalry he had once been modest enough to fear.

used to form the superlative

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

not any; not one

From this reading No lover will long be successful unless he is a humourist too, and is able to keep the heart of love amused.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

on one occasion

From this reading Mike had therefore many advantages over those merely pretty fellows whose rivalry he had once been modest enough to fear.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

above and across; more than

From this reading It is the gentle laugh, not violating, but just humanising, that very solemn kiss; the quip that just saves passion from toppling over the brink into bathos, that mark the skilful lover.

marked by the reception of pay

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

a strong feeling or emotion

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

plural of “pound” — 16 ounces avoirdupois

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading Mike had therefore many advantages over those merely pretty fellows whose rivalry he had once been modest enough to fear.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading A lover should always be something of an actor as well; not, of course, for the purpose of feigning what he does not feel, but so that he may the better dramatise his sincerity!

make jokes or quips

From this reading It is the gentle laugh, not violating, but just humanising, that very solemn kiss; the quip that just saves passion from toppling over the brink into bathos, that mark the skilful lover.

(used of persons and their behavior) cultivated and genteel

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

the act of competing as for profit or a prize

From this reading Mike had therefore many advantages over those merely pretty fellows whose rivalry he had once been modest enough to fear.

plural of “save” — (sports) the act of preventing the opposition from scoring

From this reading It is the gentle laugh, not violating, but just humanising, that very solemn kiss; the quip that just saves passion from toppling over the brink into bathos, that mark the skilful lover.

tender, romantic, or nostalgic feeling or emotion

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading A lover should always be something of an actor as well; not, of course, for the purpose of feigning what he does not feel, but so that he may the better dramatise his sincerity!

an earnest and sincere feeling

From this reading A lover should always be something of an actor as well; not, of course, for the purpose of feigning what he does not feel, but so that he may the better dramatise his sincerity!

having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude

From this reading It is the gentle laugh, not violating, but just humanising, that very solemn kiss; the quip that just saves passion from toppling over the brink into bathos, that mark the skilful lover.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading A lover should always be something of an actor as well; not, of course, for the purpose of feigning what he does not feel, but so that he may the better dramatise his sincerity!

dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises

From this reading It is the gentle laugh, not violating, but just humanising, that very solemn kiss; the quip that just saves passion from toppling over the brink into bathos, that mark the skilful lover.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome

From this reading No lover will long be successful unless he is a humourist too, and is able to keep the heart of love amused.

maintained at length without interruption or weakening

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It is the gentle laugh, not violating, but just humanising, that very solemn kiss; the quip that just saves passion from toppling over the brink into bathos, that mark the skilful lover.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading Mike had therefore many advantages over those merely pretty fellows whose rivalry he had once been modest enough to fear.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Mike had therefore many advantages over those merely pretty fellows whose rivalry he had once been modest enough to fear.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading No lover will long be successful unless he is a humourist too, and is able to keep the heart of love amused.

-ing form of “topple” — fall down, as if collapsing

From this reading It is the gentle laugh, not violating, but just humanising, that very solemn kiss; the quip that just saves passion from toppling over the brink into bathos, that mark the skilful lover.

except if; if not

From this reading No lover will long be successful unless he is a humourist too, and is able to keep the heart of love amused.

precisely as stated

From this reading It is the gentle laugh, not violating, but just humanising, that very solemn kiss; the quip that just saves passion from toppling over the brink into bathos, that mark the skilful lover.

-ing form of “violate” — fail to agree with; be in violation of; as of rules or patterns

From this reading It is the gentle laugh, not violating, but just humanising, that very solemn kiss; the quip that just saves passion from toppling over the brink into bathos, that mark the skilful lover.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading A lover should always be something of an actor as well; not, of course, for the purpose of feigning what he does not feel, but so that he may the better dramatise his sincerity!

in a fanciful manner

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

belonging to which person

From this reading Mike had therefore many advantages over those merely pretty fellows whose rivalry he had once been modest enough to fear.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading No lover will long be successful unless he is a humourist too, and is able to keep the heart of love amused.

past form of “word” — put into words or an expression

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading MIKE AND HIS MILLION POUNDS The most exquisite compliment a man has ever paid to him is worded something like this: "Well, dear, you certainly know how to make love;" and this compliment is always the reward, not of passion however sustained, or sentiment however refined, but of humour whimsically fantasticating and balancing both.