"But it is matter of astonishment to me, how you have so soon acquired such keen discernment. Is it that you do not enjoy these occasions yourself?"
"O, I enjoy them intensely," said Lois, smiling. "Sometimes I think I am the only one of the company that does; but I enjoy them."
"By the power of what secret talisman?"
"I don't know;—being happy, I suppose," said Lois shyly.
"You are speaking seriously; and therefore you are touching the greatest question of human life. Can you say of yourself that you are truly happy?"
Lois met his eyes in a little wonderment at this questioning, and answered a plain "yes."
"But, to be happy, with me, means, to be independent of circumstances. I do not call him happy, whose happiness is gone if the east wind blow, or a party miscarry, or a bank break; even though it were the bank in which his property is involved."
"Nor do I," said Lois gravely.
"And—pray forgive me for asking!—but, are you happy in this exclusive sense?"
"I have no property in a bank," said Lois, smiling again; "I have not been tried that way; but I suppose it may do as well to have no property anywhere. Yes, Mr. Dillwyn."