“I only wanted to show you how I should say those other words—if I would,” she answered.
“Is that all? Well—if there is a just proportion between your hatred and your love and your way of expressing them, your love must be——” he stopped.
“Must be what?”
“As great as mine. I cannot find anything stronger than that to say—nor could you, if you knew.”
“So you love me, then. I wonder how long it will last? When did it begin?”
“The second time I saw you.”
“Love at second sight! How romantic—so much more original than at first sight, and so much more natural. No—you must not take my hand—there are people over there—and besides, there is no reason why you should. I told you I hated you. There—walk like a sensible being and talk about your work!”
“You are a strange creature, Constance.”
“Am I? Why do you call me Constance? I do not call you George—indeed I do not like the name at all.”
“Nor I, if you do not—you can call me Constantine if you like. That name would be more like yours.”