"I don't think it is wise to attempt the extraction of sunbeams from cucumbers," said Leah, dryly.
"Dean Swift said that, but he was an egotist," replied Hengist, in his serious way, that reminded Lady Jim of Lionel at his worst. "It is more blessed to give than to receive, you know."
"Is it, indeed? Who said so?"
"The wisest and most loving of mankind. And it is a true saying. I assure you, that if I deny myself something I greatly desire, and send the money which would have purchased the gratification to a charity, I feel absolutely happy."
"I don't think I ever tried that experiment."
"You will not know true happiness till you do, Lady James."
"Then I must make a bid for Paradise," she answered, privately thinking that the man talked sad nonsense.
"It's a dreadful thing to be able to have the moon for the asking," went on Hengist, reflectively.
"That's your epigrammatic way of putting it, I suppose; but the moon won't drop from her sphere for me, howl as I may. You are very lucky to command the planet, Lord Hengist."
"So the world thinks, but it forgets that there is the curse of satiety."