“ although a skilful flatterer is a most delightful companion if you can keep him all to yourself, his taste becomes very doubtful when he takes to complimenting other people. ”
 Charles Dickens, Nicholas Nickleby (1839). copy citation

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“To judge from the glow which suffused the poor girl's countenance after this speech, Mrs. Wititterly might, with some show of reason, have been supposed to have imparted to it some of that artificial bloom which decorated her own. Mrs. Wititterly admitted, though not with the best grace in the world, that Kate did look pretty. She began to think, too, that Sir Mulberry was not quite so agreeable a creature as she had at first supposed him; for, although a skilful flatterer is a most delightful companion if you can keep him all to yourself, his taste becomes very doubtful when he takes to complimenting other people.
'Pyke,' said the watchful Mr. Pluck, observing the effect which the praise of Miss Nickleby had produced.
'Well, Pluck,' said Pyke.
'Is there anybody,' demanded Mr. Pluck, mysteriously, 'anybody you know, that Mrs. Wititterly's profile reminds you of?'” source

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