She threw in the last suggestion entirely in a sporting spirit. She loved battle, and she had a feeling that this one was going to finish far too quickly. To prolong it, she gave him this opening. There were a dozen ways in which he might answer, each more insulting than the last; and then, when he had finished, she could begin again. These little encounters, she held, sharpened the wits, stimulated the circulation, and kept one out in the open air.- The Romance of an Ugly Policeman
The passage captures the playful spirit of a character who enjoys verbal sparring. She relishes the challenges of engaging in battle of wits and deliberately provides an opening for her opponent to respond. Her eagerness for the exchange suggests that she believes such encounters make life more lively and invigorating. This perspective highlights her love for intellectual challenges and the thrill of unpredictable conversation.
She expects her opponent to respond with increasing insults, which only adds to her excitement for the exchange. For her, these interactions are not just trivial; they are essential for keeping her sharp-minded and spirited. The idea that confrontation can be enjoyable and beneficial reinforces the notion that such battles of words can sharpen one's intellect and maintain enthusiasm for life's challenges.
