A More Gentle Creature

"I think a man should be gentle," she said, not looking directly at him. "Strong, and bold, of course; but especially gentle."

"Indeed," he said. "How intriguing. I agree that a man possessing strength and boldness is worthy of some praise; but there is no call for gentleness. That is an attribute more fitting for a lady, I should think."

She laughed. "A lady should appear gentle," she said, "but can never be so, if she is to survive in this world."

"And what then of a man, that is both strong and bold - as you require - but is not truly gentle?"

"Such a man," said she, turning to face him directly, "is vulgar."

He knew that she had said, in not so many words, that such a man was he. He hid his humiliation by turning and leaving, in search of a more gentle creature, with eyes that might adore, rather than pierce him.

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This little scene is my response to Three Word Wednesday number CXCVII. The prompting words are gentle, praise and vulgar.

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