“Who could help it? Considered purely as a picture, she is the most beautiful woman I ever saw in my life.”
“Now why do you say ‘purely as a picture’?” asked Zoe quickly.
Armitage rather looked embarrassed. “The soul is not there yet, you know. But when it comes it must be a beautiful one, to look out through those glorious eyes.”
“That’s just what I feel about her,” said Zoe—“that she has no soul, I mean. But she is such a fine creature, I long to see the soul appear. Perhaps she is really a sea-nymph, not a girl at all.”
“But the nymphs could gain souls,” said Armitage.
“By taking them from other people?” said Wylie meaningly. “Don’t build up too much of a romance about the girl, old man, for whatever may be the truth about her soul, it’s absolutely certain that she has no conscience. We’ll tell you all about her—‘ways that are dark and tricks that are vain’—after dinner, and how she foisted herself and the child upon us.”
“I have an old man of the sea too,” said Armitage, “and much less attractive to look at than yours. It is old Lacroix, as he chooses to call himself, my secretary. Poor old chap, he has a sad story—at least, I can’t help fearing it will turn out to be sad—but he shall tell it to you himself. He wants your advice, and I shall be glad to know what you think. I’ve taken an awful fancy to the old fellow, and it really is rough on him——”
* * * * * * * *
“As much of a boy as ever!” said Zoe to her husband when they were alone together.
“Every bit as much. I suppose you are prepared for his falling in love with Kalliopé, Zoe?”