As she got slowly into bed, she passed other, moral, attributes, in fleeting review.
Alex believed that one might be loved for one's goodness, if not for one's beauty. But she could not suppose herself to be good. The tradition of the nursery black sheep still clung to her.
Should love come to her, she had nothing but the force of the answer within her to bring to it, and that force she had been taught to think of in the light of an affliction to be overcome.
Yet Alex Clare fell asleep smiling a little, nursing the foolish, romantic fancies that usurped the place of realities, and unaware that the temperament which craves to give all, is often that of which least will ever be asked.
IX
Scotland
Queenie's engagement to young Goldstein was formally announced at the beginning of the year following that one in which Alex made her début.
"A most suitable match, I should imagine," was Lady Isabel's emphasized comment.
Alex was romantically delighted, and hoped for an opportunity of obtaining first-hand impressions.