"Can you tell me why I am now so often low-spirited?"
"The more highly-endowed natures, Aristotle says, are always melancholy," replied Eric.
Bella caught her breath; that was altogether too pedantic an answer to suit her.
They did not succeed in keeping up any continued conversation, but Bella said at one time abruptly to Eric,—
"The visit here of your mother vexes me."
"What! vexes you?"
"Yes, it wounds me that this man with his gold should be able to change the position of people, as he does."
Eric had abundant matter of thought in this casual remark.
"You have the happiness to be greatly beloved," said Bella suddenly. Eric looked up alarmed, glancing towards Roland, and Bella continued aloud,—
"Your mother loves you deeply." After a time, she said in a low tone to herself, but Eric heard it,—