I did not expect an analysis so swift and so true.

But, Paul"-- her voice sank adorably--"all these men lack something--something that you have.

And that is why I thought you laughed." He smiled down on her.

"Do you think I was measuring myself with these men ?" "Naturally.

Why should you not ?" she asked proudly.
"And what have I got that they lack ?" "Happiness," said the Princess.
Paul was silent for a while, as they moved slowly away to the balcony which overlooks the lagoon and San Giorgio Maggiore glowing warm in the sunshine, and then he said: "Yet most of those men loved passionately in their time, and were loved by beautiful women." "Their love was a thing of the passions, not of the spirit.