My face flushed hotly, but I made her no reply.
"I expected you to flash back that you were never going to fall in love. It is the way with most unsophisticated young people."
"If I should, and my love is returned, I will be faithful to any vows I may make."
"My dear friend, you are too inexperienced to make such rash promises. You do not know what mutinous elements are slumbering in your heart."
"God help me to have principle enough to smother them if they are there and get wakened."
I rose to go, as night was rapidly falling.
"I can stay no longer and so far as my helping you is concerned, I have been summoned uselessly," I said, coldly.
"No, indeed; I have heard that you were very pure minded, and see the public estimate of your character is correct. I want you to teach me to be like you, true and good."
She looked into my eyes with such a guileless expression that, for an instant, I thought she might be tired of her old, heartless life, and long to be better. I stood looking with some perplexity into the fire, scarce knowing what to say; but, turning my eyes suddenly, I saw a mocking gleam pass over her face.
"You would find it very tame patterning after me. I would advise you to seek some higher ideal—one more worthy your superior powers." I bowed and was turning towards the door.