"And what do you accept instead?" asked the girl sharply.
"Oh—community of interests—mutual forbearance and respect."
"Which means that you forbear—and all the world respects," broke in the old impulsive Angel. "Oh, Elinor," startled at her companion's face, "forgive me."
"Certainly, my dear; but of what have you to complain?"
"Philip," was the unexpected answer. "He treats me as a pretty petted child, who has to be cared for, amused, and supplied with toys."
"You forget that he has his work, his career. 'Love is of man's life a thing apart, 'tis woman's whole existence.' Do you want him to sit holding your hand, and swearing daily that he adores you?"
"Yes, I do," was her reckless reply. "I should never be tired of hearing it." Her companion looked at her helplessly.
"But, my dear child, Colonel Gascoigne has outgrown that age; he loves you very dearly."
"As one does a canary bird," broke in Angel; "I'm a woman—not a domestic pet."
"You are both," said Mrs. Gordon.