Bobby's pleasant face grew grave. "I know," he said.
"The good part of me loves him, but the worldly part of me loves money and position and pleasure, and I don't know which is in the majority."
"If you were only a Government instead of a woman, you'd find out by means of a dissolution," remarked his lordship: "then try the same method."
"How do you mean?" asked Isabel, looking puzzled.
"In the event of your dissolution what should you do?"
"If I were dying do you mean? Oh! then, of course, I should care only for Paul; and money and all that would matter nothing to me."
"Then why not apply the dissolution test to a woman as well as to a Government?" suggested Lord Robert.
"There is a good deal in what you say. I feel sure that if I sent Paul away my heart would cry out for him sooner or later."
"Then why not let it cry now, when there is a chance of an R.S.V.P.?"
"Because I am afraid to give up all the rank and pleasure and luxury that have made life so pleasant to me. It is selfish of me, I know, but I can't help it."