Korynthia clapped her hands with amusement.
"Yes, of course. But only if one can keep the second lover secret from the first."
"No, no. No secret dealings. I would rather confess that I loved another too. And why not, if love is good, and no crime? For instance, when I have a husband, may I not tell him that I love strawberries?"
"Strawberries! Oh yes. That is only eating."
"May I tell him that I love Sophie Narishkin?"
"Oh yes. That is only friendship."
"And would he behead me if he knew my love for dancing?"
"Then if I may love strawberries, dancing, and my friend, why not a youth, if he be good and handsome?"
"Oh, precious innocence! Do people never talk about love in your country?"