'It is very hard that you should have to pursue such an uncongenial career.'
'It seems so to me; but, perhaps, that is my selfishness. I suppose half the people in this world have to live by work they hate.'
'Allowing for the number of people to whom all kind of work is hateful, I dare say you are right. But I think, in a general way, congenial work means successful work. No man hates the profession that brings him fame and money; but the doctor without patients, the briefless barrister, can hardly love law or medicine.'
He beguiled Ida into talking of her own life, with all its bitterness. There was something in his voice and manner which tempted her to confide in him. He seemed thoroughly sympathetic.
'I keep forgetting what strangers we are,' she said, apologizing for her unreserve.
'We are not strangers. I have heard of you from Bessie so much that I seem to have known you for years. I hope you will never think of me as a stranger.'
'I don't think I ever can, after this conversation. I am afraid you will think me horribly egotistical.'
She had been talking of her father and stepmother, the little brother she loved so fondly, dwelling with delight upon his perfections.
'I think you all that is good and noble. How I wish this were not your last evening at the Knoll!'
'Do you think I do not wish it? Hark, there's Bessie calling us.'