H. (impulsively). Not always.
E. And I, too, have acquired the sense of proportion. I have seen that—that—Love is not all the world. I have learned that the comfortable is more to be desired than gold—yea, than fine gold.
H. Yes; Gold and Love must both be tried in the furnace, which is seldom a comfortable operation.
E. And you—do you not agree with me? Is it not better to look on?
H. So long as it is not at another’s happiness that one has desired for one’s self—yes.
E. (aside). How if it be another’s unhappiness, I wonder. Poor Dr. Tennant. (Sighs.)
H. (aside). I shall make an ass of myself in a moment. She is not changed an atom. (Aloud.) But what leaves of wisdom have you steeped for me? I expected a cup of tea, and you have given me a decoction that should heal all disappointments.
E. (half sadly). If I had known I possessed such a secret I should have brewed some for myself before this. But (rising) if you expected a cup of tea you shall have it.
H. (eagerly). By Jove! Esther! I beg pardon—but Miss Van Dyke, I beg of you—— (Stops helplessly.)
E. I was just about to send for it for myself. (She rings. Aside.) I see it all. He has come a day too soon. And he would have had me believe that he cared to see me alone. And I was actually growing sentimental. He shall pay for it. (Enter a maid.) Tea, Mary Ann.