‘Of chance ... and of harmony. ’Tis a matter beyond dispute that we are more in sympathy with some souls than with others—
‘Il est des nœuds secrets, il est des sympathies,
Dont par le doux rapport les âmes assorties ...
you know these lines in Rodogune?’
‘And do you hold that sympathy can push its way past ... obstacles ... such as bashfulness, for example?’
Jacques smiled.
‘In good earnest it can.’ Suddenly her nerves relaxed.
‘Then it is not contrary to natural laws to make a new friend?’ she cried joyfully.
‘That it is not. And who knows, the rôles may be reversed ere long and we shall see old Mother Scudéry on her knees, while Chop plays the proud spurner! What said that rude, harsh, untaught Grecian poetess whose naked numbers brought a modest blush to your “precious” taste?