"I believe so I should be very sorry to live here long at home I can always go out and find society that refreshes me."
"You have set yourself a high standard," he said, with no displeased expression of the lips.
"I have been charged with that," said Fleda; "but is it possible to set too high a standard, Mr. Carleton?"
"One may leave one's-self almost alone in the world."
"Well, even then," said Fleda, "I would rather have only the image of excellence than be contented with inferiority."
"Isn't it possible to do both?" said he, smiling again.
"I don't know," said Fleda; "perhaps I am too easily dissatisfied I believe I have grown fastidious, living alone I have sometimes almost a disgust at the world and everything in it."
"I have often felt so," he said; "but I am not sure that it is a mood to be indulged in likely to further our own good or that of others."
"I am sure it is not," said Fleda; "I often feel vexed with myself for it; but what can one do, Mr. Carleton?"
"Don't your friends the flowers help you in this?"