"And that just expresses Earle's love."
The lady's eyes were riveted on the glorious face; the rich, sweet voice had given such force and effect to the words. Then she said, anxiously:
"You will be very happy in your new life, I hope—even should I never see you again—I hope you will be happy."
"I hope so," replied Doris, in a dubious voice. Then her face brightened as she looked round the magnificent room. "I should be happy enough here," she said. "This is what my soul loves best—this is better than love."
The lady drew back from the girl as though she had been struck.
"Faithless and debonair," she murmured.
Doris looked inquiringly at her.
"This is what you love best?" she said. "You mean luxury and magnificence?"
"Yes, I mean that—it is ten thousand times better than love."
"But," said Lady Estelle, "that is a strange doctrine for one so young as you."