"A lady I know," he answered, evasively.

"And love?"

"Why do you think so?"

"That is, if you return love for love--I saw it in her face."

"Impossible!

"Not at all, it's merely a woman's instinct; come, tell me, do you love her?"

"Yes," he answered, sadly, "too well."

"Nonsense," said Mrs. Taunton, rapidly, "no woman can be loved too well."

"No, I agree with you there--if she is worthy of it."

"And is this lady not worthy?"