And from the half-tired expression that for one moment crossed the beautiful face, he knew she was growing politely wearied of the theme.
"I am searching for her," he said, his lips growing white and hot as he spoke. "I am looking for her. There are times when I believe that I have found her."
"That is well," she replied.
"No, it is hardly well. When I am sure that I have discovered her, I shall ask her to marry me; and if she refuses, let her beware! let her beware!"
The words came from him with a hiss. Her sunny laughter smote him like the edge of a sharp sword.
"How dramatic, Lord Vivianne! I shall begin to think you are rehearsing for a tragedy."
He looked confused.
"If she be not Dora," he thought, "what will she think of me?"
Then he continued:
"I ought to apologize, Lady Studleigh. I cannot help it, you are so much like her. I loved her so dearly that, do you see, I would lose my life rather than my hope of winning her for my wife."