“What then? Foolish boy! Why, of course she chooses the scale that will give her most pleasure.”
“Naturally,” he said.
“Then that is what I do.”
“But would not life with a man who would idolise you be far beyond any other worldly pleasure?”
“Yes,” said her ladyship drily; “but give me credit, mio caro Arturo, for not being such an old idiot as to believe that you would idolise me, as you call it.”
“Ah, you don’t know,” he cried.
“What you would be guilty of to obtain a good settlement in life, my dear boy?”
“You insult me,” he cried angrily.
“Oh no, my impetuous young friend; but really, Arturo, that was well done. Capital! It would be winning with some ladies. Rest assured that you shall have a rich wife. As for me, I have had you in the scale twice over. I did once think of marrying you.”
“You did?” he cried with real surprise.