He laughed.
"That quite depends on the state of one's conscience," he replied, "and the elasticity of one's spirits. If two lovers are objectionable, the proper thing is to send one away."
"Which should be sent away?" she asked.
"I should say the one that is loved the least. Tell me, now, do you really love this country admirer of yours very much?"
"I do not understand why you ask me."
"Do you not? I will tell you. Because everything that interests you interests me; your pains and pleasures would soon be mine."
"I have no pains," she said, thoughtfully, "and no pleasures."
"Then yours must be a most dull and monotonous life. How can you, with so keen a capacity for enjoyment—how can you bear it?"
"I do not bear it very well," she replied; "I am always more or less bad-tempered."
He laughed again.