“That is understood. One always says that.”
“But whom I scarcely knew. They forced me—for I did resist—they forced me to spend two or three evenings with them last winter.”
“And then?”
“Then—I don’t quite know how to explain it to you. I did not feel the slightest touch of embarrassment, emotion, anxiety, or disturbance—”
“In fact,” said Bettina, resolutely, “not the least suspicion of love.”
“No, not the least, and I returned quite calmly to my bachelor den, for I think it is better not to marry than to marry without love.”
“And I think so, too.”
She looked at him, he looked at her, and suddenly, to the great surprise of both, they found nothing more to say, nothing at all.
At this moment Harry and Bella rushed into the room, with cries of joy.
“Monsieur Jean! Are you there? Come and see our ponies!”