"Only once!" Savile was contemptuous.
"Well, Savile dear, anyhow I advise you to break it off definitely with Dolly. She's only just fourteen now, and it would interfere with her lessons. Besides, I know her mother wants her to go in for Physical Culture during the holidays. What are those exercises—Swedenborgian or something—anyhow, it takes up time. Besides, I somehow feel that that (the affair with Dolly) was more a sort of boy-and-girl fancy. Don't you think so? This, of course, is the great romance of your life. It will probably last for ever. Of course I know it's only a kind of distant worship and adoration, but still——"
"How well you know, by Jove! Felicity, I tell you what—I'm not going to think about it any more. I know there's no hope. Is she likely to sing again this season?"
"Perhaps."
"Oh, Felicity, let me come with you!... No, I won't. I'd rather go alone in the balcony."
"We'll see, dear. Now, what's the other trouble?"
"Well, I'm rather worried about Sylvia."
"Oh, my dear boy, that's a mania of yours! You're always harping on about her marrying Mr. Ridokanaki."
"Why shouldn't she?"
"Why should she, Savile? It wouldn't amuse her. And Sylvia is very happy at home; the head of papa's house, perfect liberty, and only twenty——"