“Things that you don’t, it seems. I like theaters and dances.”
“But in the course of time you will desire pleasures more substantial than these.”
“I don’t know that I will.”
Clara seemed to be out of humor all that evening, and when Ernest left his heart was filled with misgivings. He thought and feared that he had discovered a change in her manner toward him. She was evidently more distant than she had been since their engagement. He was melancholy. But what could he do to put an end to this dreadful suspense? He determined that he would persuade Clara to appoint an earlier day for their marriage.
Availing himself of the privilege allowed him, Xerxes called the next evening. This young man had traveled considerably, and had lived in the city of New York for several years. He had not been seated long before he gave Clara an animated description of the theaters of Paris. She listened like one entranced. Perceiving her profound interest, he soon discovered how to entertain her.
“How I should like to travel,” said Clara, with a deep-drawn sigh.
“Yes, it is very pleasant to make the tour of the world with a congenial companion.”
“I should think so,” she said. “Which city do you like best?”