“Oh, that!” I exclaimed discontentedly.
“And why not?”
“It must be an entire change of life–of habits and ambition and tastes. Why not attempt something big while I am about it?”
“My dear Richard,” insisted Jacqueline gently, “it makes no difference how obscure one’s task is. It may be even a useless task, only one must show patience and strength in the performance of it.”
“Jacqueline, you are giving me hope.”
She held up her gloved hand, smiling.
“No, I give you no hope. Nor do I give you reason to despair. I do not love you, now. I could not love such a one as you. Whether I could love you if you were different–if you had ambition and stamina–I can not tell.”
“I shall yet make you love me, Jacqueline.”
Our eyes met for one instant, then hers fell before my steady gaze.
“Will you please tell the gondolier to row faster? I shall be late for luncheon, and I have an appointment at three.”