"Like it! I cannot speak of it!"
"I don't want you to speak of it," said he, smiling at her.
"What followed upon liking it, Elfie?"
"I was thinking," said Fleda, looking resolutely away from him, "in the midst of all this that it is not these things which make people happy."
"There is no question of that," he replied. "I have realized it thoroughly for a few months past."
"No, but seriously, I mean," said Fleda, pleadingly.
"And, seriously, you are quite right, dear Elfie. What then?"
"I was thinking," said Fleda, speaking with some difficulty "of Hugh's grave and of the comparative value of things; and, afraid, I believe especially here "
"Of making a wrong estimate?"
"Yes; and of not doing and being just what I ought."
Mr. Carleton was silent for a minute, considering the brow from which his fingers drew off the light screen.