I could quite comprehend your forgetting Susan (and, after all, I am left in doubt as to the extent of her conquest over you) for the very different charms of her sister.

On the other hand, I could still better understand that, having once fancied Susan, you could not be commanded into love for Lucretia.

But I do not comprehend your feeling love for one, and making love to the other,--which is the long and short of the business." "That is not exactly the true statement," answered Mainwaring, with a powerful effort at composure.

"There are moments when, listening to Lucretia, when, charmed by that softness which, contrasting the rest of her character, she exhibits to none but me, struck by her great mental powers, proud of an unsought triumph over such a being, I feel as if I could love none but her; then suddenly her mood changes,--she utters sentiments that chill and revolt me; the very beauty seems vanished from her face.

I recall with a sigh the simple sweetness of Susan, and I feel as if I deceived both my mistress and myself.