We have been happy--so happy, Edith, and for so
many years, that I can not bear to think that either of us should be
less so; and yet that volume has taught me, in the story of parallel
fortunes with ours, that it may be so. It has given me a long lesson in
the hollow economy of that world which men seek, and name society. It
has told me that we, or I, at least, may be made and kept miserable for
ever."
"How, Ralph, tell me, I pray you--how should that book have taught you
this strange notion? Why? What book is it? That stupid story!" was the
gasping exclamation of the astonished girl--astonished no less by the
impetuous manner than the strong language of the youth; and, with the
tenderest concern she laid her hand upon his arm, while her eyes, full
of the liveliest interest, yet moistened with a tearful apprehension,
were fixed earnestly upon his own.
"It is a stupid book, a very stupid book--a story of false sentiment,
and of mock and artificial feelings, of which I know, and care to know,
nothing.
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