10
"Tell me what moves you, Director," said Prudish.
"Sincerity, but only when coupled with understanding, awareness."
"How touching! But that really doesn't tell me much. What is good dialogue, the exchange of touching statements?"
"Sure, why not?"
"I can't believe you are accepting a definition from me! I'm flattered." She paused then added: "Have we been having a good dialogue here today?"
"Prudish! You surprise me. Is such a question proper?"
"Let me make an exception in your case. Have we?"
"I have been enjoying it. How about you?"
"I have. But is that all it takes? Are you really a hedonist after all?"
"I thought you just wanted to know what I take pleasure in. I've told you."
"Well now I want to know if you've been moved."
"Are you asking if pleasure, enjoyment moves me?"
"Does it?"
"I'd be willing to walk across a desert for certain pleasures. Would your typical hedonist do that?"
"Oh, my! No, no indeed! What pleasures?" she added in a hush.
Director smiled and kept his mouth shut. Student laughed, despite himself. And it was contagious, for Prudish laughed, too.
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Nick Pappas, pappasnick.typepad.com
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