‘O, yes,’ said Theodora, annoyed at feeling a blush arising. The Earl seemed sensible of a check, and changed his tone to a sober and rather timid one, as he inquired after Mr. Martindale. The reply was left to Violet.
‘He has never been so well in his life. He is extremely busy, and much enjoys the beauty of the place.’
‘I suppose it is very pretty,’ said Lord St. Erme.
‘Nothing can be more lovely than the colour of the sea, and the wonderful foliage, and the clearness. He says all lovers of fine scenery ought to come there.’
‘Scenery can hardly charm unless it has a past,’ he replied.
‘I can controvert that,’ said Theodora.
With much diffidence he replied: ‘I speak only of my own feeling. To me, a fine landscape without associations has no soul. It is like an unintellectual beauty.’
‘There are associations in the West Indies,’ said Theodora.
‘Not the most agreeable,’ said Lord St. Erme.
‘There is the thought of Columbus,’ said Violet, ‘his whole character, and his delight as each island surpassed the last.’