And his openness to her on this subject is a curious indication of the very wide difference between the mode in which the whole subject would be looked at by both parties in the world in which they lived, and in our own.
Philosophers, as the result of much learned observation and long reasonings, come to the conclusion that monogamy is best suited, on the whole, to the nature, the requirements, and progressive improvement of mankind.

A pure-hearted woman, who loves with a true and great love, finds a shorter cut to the same conviction.
And the growing depth and earnestness of Paolina's love had arrived at teaching her this with unmistakable clearness.

She might pine, might die--might compel her heart to turn to stone;--might seek the refuge of a cloister, which is the southern equivalent for suicide;--but she could not--she felt she could not live and be content to share her lover's love with another.

It was not any sensation of the nature of jealousy so much as an unconquerable feeling that not to have all was to have nothing;--that she must have all and for ever; that she and he must be one;--one flesh and one spirit.
Of course all this ought to be taught, and is taught to all respectably educated young persons in more regular and didactic fashion.

But to poor little unschooled Paolina it was taught not less authoritatively by the greatness and the purity of her own love..