'Ah! but that was in Russia, where it is easy to go to prison. If I tried and tried they wouldn't send me. I'm too rich. They wouldn't do it. If I became an Anarchist, they would just laugh because they don't believe that society can ever be upset.'
'I'm quite sure I didn't go into that shop for nothing. Something is going to happen to me,' said Clara.
'I think quite enough has happened to you. Don't you? ... What a restless little creature you are! Here you are with everything at your feet, the greatest artist, the richest bachelor in London at your disposal, and you want something to happen to you.'
'I don't want it. I say that I feel it must come.
'You're before your time, my dear. That's what is the matter with you. Women aren't independent yet. They are still clinging to men. That is what I cannot stand about them. I should hate to have a woman clinging to my money. Still more should I hate to have one clinging to myself.'
'But you ought to marry. You would be happier.'
He shook his head and smiled,—
'You have made that impossible, Clara.'
'I?'
'Yes. If I found a girl like you who wanted to marry me I might consider it.... My aunts are furious.'