“And so would I a thousand times,” replied the young merchant, emphatically. “For in him we might be sure of finding something like nature, which is not to be hoped for at operas or concerts. As for dinners and fêtes, they are merely for the purpose of allowing people to eat and drink together, talk, stare, push, squeeze, and elbow.”
“Then I have no desire for any of these,” said Lilya. “I do not perceive the pleasure they would confer. I would rather be what I am, than exist in a state such as you have described.”
“But that cannot be Lilya,” observed Oriel, kindly. “I am going to put you under the protection of a lady—of the lady whom I love, Lilya. She is a beautiful, accomplished, and amiable woman, of high family, and admirable disposition; and, as she is obliged to find friends and acquaintances in the circle I have pointed out to your attention, you must from the same source derive all your social enjoyments; and then you will be clothed in silks and velvets, feathers and diamonds—will not that delight you?”
“Do these fine things make the possessor happy?” asked his companion.
“To tell you the truth Lilya, I do not think they do,” replied Oriel Porphyry.
“Then I will have none of them,” she exclaimed. “I know that I can be happy in these humble skins that I have put together with my own hands; but I know not that I can be happy in the gay things to which I am unused; and I would rather retain what I possess, than give it up for an uncertainty.”
“But the Lady Eureka, with whom you will stay, makes use of these things,” said the young merchant; “and, unless you mean to offend your best friends, you must do the same.”
“I will wear them if my friends wish it,” observed the simple girl; “but I would rather not, because I should appear so awkward in them.”
“I do not fear that,” exclaimed the young merchant. “You will not be allowed to wear them till you know in what manner they should be worn; and that you should look, and act, and think, as becomes one who is the Lady Eureka’s friend. The most skilful masters in every department of education will be provided for you; and every endeavour will be made to render you as elegant, intellectual, and agreeable a woman as the world of fashion can produce.”
“Will Zabra be there?” inquired Lilya, timidly.