“What value is there in three or four letters in the course of a year? Doesn’t it seem natural that one’s ideas change, as one gets older, and is placed in different circumstances? [[38]]Yes; I have had my cares and worries too. First it was dear papa, then Aunt Vere, whom I attended in her illness——”
“Are you happy here? can you get along with Betsy?”
“Oh yes, admirably, or I should not stay with her, of course.” Eline, with her usual reserve, deemed it unnecessary to say more about it.
“You see, there is no need for you to trouble yourself about anything,” Jeanne continued; “things come about just as you wish them; you are free and unfettered, and live only for your pleasures—it is all so different with me.”
“But surely all that does not justify you in saying that we have become estranged from each other. In the first place, I think ‘estranged’ is a most unpleasant word, and secondly, it is not true, whatever word you may use.”
“Oh yes.”
“Oh no. I assure you, Jeanne dear, if I can be of service to you in any way, you will find me quite at your disposal. Do you believe me?”
“Yes, I do, and I thank you very much. But, Eline——”
“Well?”
Several questions rose to Jeanne’s lips. She felt eager to ask her to tell her more about herself, to be more free and open with her; but the studied cordiality of the smile that hovered about the delicate lips, and was reflected in those dreamy, almond eyes, effectually silenced her. And she felt a sudden regret at her frankness towards such a coquette of a girl deftly playing with her fan; it was mere waste of time in talking to her. Why had she allowed herself to yield to the first impulse? for they were entirely unsuited to one another.…