“He could not love me then.”
“My dear, men are different. There is passion and love, and not always felt for the same woman. Love and passion last; passion alone—Bah! it is nothing.”
“Nothing,” repeated Launa.
“It is an impulse; it goes, and they love you again.”
Some days after the ball they were all at tea at Mrs. Phillips’s—Mr. Wainbridge, Launa, Mr. George, and others. The two men had already called on Mr. Archer, and had been invited to dine.
“I want above all things in the world,” said Launa slowly, “to drive a hansom, to sit up high and see the world.”
“I bet you five pounds you can’t,” said Mr. George. “I beg your pardon. But I am sure you can’t.”
She laughed. “I will.”
“How will you climb up?” asked Mrs. Phillips.
“Easily. I will do it at night.”