“It’s a very fascinating sight, of course. Romantic, full of excitement.”
“Why does everyone think I’m romantic on first sight?” wondered Horatia aloud.
“You are romantic. It’s romantic in itself that a beautiful young girl goes out to work in a newspaper office. I know that lots of them do but they haven’t yet dried up the romance. Because beauty and charm in a woman were designed for such other purposes.”
Horatia frowned. “You don’t really think that?”
“I think so. Beauty and charm mean love and love means life. That’s why it excites us to see beauty.”
“So many people say I’m good-looking now. Do you know I was a frightful little girl?”
“That’s natural enough. But it’s not your face or features. It’s what lights you up from within.”
She took Horatia’s hands in both of hers as she said good night.
“Be good to Anthony,” she said, “and don’t let your fires be dimmed, will you?”
“I’ve met a splendid woman,” said Horatia to Jim, next day. “Do you know Mrs. Clapp?”