"You see, I do a little in this way myself," he explained…
““ "You see, I do a little in this way myself," he explained; "here is my most prized piece." He took from his pocket a snuffbox, which looked to be of eighteenth-century workmanship. Inside the lid was an enamel picture of Leda and the Swan, and when a knob was pushed to and fro the swan thrust itself between Leda's legs, which jerked in mechanical ecstasy. A nasty toy, I thought, but Urky doted on it. "We single gentlemen like to have these things," he said. "What do you do, Darcourt? Of course we know that Hollier has his beautiful Maria." To my astonishment Hollier blushed, but said nothing. His beautiful Maria? My Miss Theotoky, of New Testament Greek? I didn't like it at all.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A character boasts a mechanical erotic toy, revealing vanity, secret desires, and social posturing among gentlemen.
In simple terms: A man shows off a fancy, erotic gadget, exposing pride and hidden motives.
Key Takeaway
Beware of flaunting personal indulgences.
Themes
vanity
eroticism
social status
secrecy
Mood
irritated
amused
critical
Type
anecdotal
literary
When to use this quote
- dating
- social gatherings
- private collections
- interpersonal tension
Key Concepts
mechanical fetishism
masculine identity
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the toy reveal about the owner’s character?
- How do social expectations shape personal indulgence?
A Different Perspective
Such displays can alienate or embarrass others.