“I think for a lie to be effective, it must have three essential qualities.” The booming voices of the men fade and the trebles of the women trail off. Ray Porter quietly worries inside. “And what are those?” says a voice. “First, it must be partially true. Second, it must make the hearer feel sorry for you, and third, it must be embarrassing to tell,” says Mirabelle. “Go on,” the room implies. “It must be partially true to be believable. If you arouse sympathy you’re much more likely to get what you want, and if it’s embarrassing to tell, you’re less likely to be questioned.”
