“You don't? You know better than that. You know that, you did care for him.”
“Oh! that's a very different thing. That's a thing that can be got over.”
“Got over!” repeated Mrs. Leighton, aghast.
“Of course, it can! Don't be romantic, mamma. People get over dozens of such fancies. They even marry for love two or three times.”
“Never!” cried her mother, doing her best to feel shocked; and at last looking it.
Her looking it had no effect upon Alma. “You can easily get over caring for people; but you can't get over liking them—if you like them because they are sweet and good. That's what lasts. I was a simple goose, and he imposed upon me because he was a sophisticated goose. Now the case is reversed.”
“He does care for you, now. You can see it. Why do you encourage him to come here?”
“I don't,” said Alma. “I will tell him to keep away if you like. But whether he comes or goes, it will be the same.”
“Not to him, Alma! He is in love with you!”
“He has never said so.”