VIOLANTE (turning to Helen, and in a very low voice, resolved that Harley should not hear this time).—“We can guess why,—can we not?”
HARLEY (hearing every word, as if it had been spoken in St. Paul’s Whispering Gallery).—“If you can guess, Helen, pray tell me.”
HELEN (shaking her pretty head, and answering with a livelier smile than usual).—“But I am not fond of war and warriors.”
HARLEY (to Violante).—“Then I must appeal at once to you, self-convicted Bellona that you are. Is it from the cruelty natural to the female disposition?”
VIOLANTE (with a sweet musical laugh). “From two propensities still more natural to it.”
HARLEY.—“YOU puzzle me: what can they be?”
VIOLANTE.—“Pity and admiration; we pity the weak and admire the brave.”
Harley inclined his head, and was silent.
Lady Lansmere had suspended her conversation with Riccabocca to listen to this dialogue. “Charming!” she cried.
“You have explained what has often perplexed me. Ah, Harley, I am glad to see that your satire is foiled: you have no reply to that.”