“Pin! Please don’t think I care only for trinkets, and at such a time as this! Please don’t, it only belittles everything;” her voice betraying a slight trace of emotion.
Paul vowed inwardly that he would acquiesce in everything she said, so in duty bound endeavored to be philosophic himself.
“There’s nothing like being natural, even when it feels unnatural.”
Adele laughed outright.
“My dear Paul, philosophy never did sit well on you; please don’t.” Paul felt somewhat subdued, and immediately changed the subject.
“What was it you said you wished to ask me?”
“Oh, yes, about being inquisitive. We’re all getting so horribly inquisitive that I’ve had a curious experience. I really don’t know what I think.”
It was Paul’s turn to laugh. “Oh, that comes from thinking too much. Give it up; we’ve got something else on hand just now; don’t let’s think.”
This idea seemed to impress Adele rather favorably in her present mood, but she could not resist the temptation to continue.
“Paul, I really feel that I must exert my will—yes, I must will that I won’t—no! I mustn’t won’t anything, that is not what I mean. I can’t untangle my thoughts while talking. Paul, try to help me; you do the talking.”