"I know it's a very pretty way, Mr. Brooke; Venice behind us, the Adriatic before us, these old Hebrew tombs! Its very prettiness makes me distrust it."
"Do you believe only in the love that is born in darkness and pain? Poor love! it has trouble enough, first and last. Allow it a little ease."
"Listen," said Miss Evans, after a pause. "It's not with me you're in love, but with that painted picture. All this Italian beauty and delight has thrown you into a romantic state of mind. You wish to make it perfect. I happen to be at hand, so you say, 'Go to, I'll fall in love.' And you fancy me, for the purpose, a dozen fine things that I'm not."
"I fancy you beautiful and good. I'm sorry to find you so dogmatic."
"You mustn't abuse me, or we shall be getting serious."
"Well," said I, "you can't prevent me from adoring you."
"I should be very sorry to. So long as you 'adore' me, we're safe! I can tell you better things than that I'm in love with you."
I looked at her impatiently. "For instance?"
She held out her hand. "I like you immensely. As for love, I'm in love with Venice."
"Well, I like Venice immensely, but I'm in love with you."
"In that way I am willing to leave it. Pray don't speak of it again to-day. But my poor father is probably wandering up to his knees in the sand."
I had been happy before, but I think I was still happier for the words I had spoken. I had cast them abroad at all events; my heart was richer by a sense of their possible fruition. We walked far along the beach. Mr. Evans was still with his friend.
"What is beyond that horizon?" said my companion.
"Greece, among other things."
"Greece! only think of it! Shall you never go there?"
I stopped short. "If you will believe what I say, Miss Evans, we may both go there." But for all answer she repeated her request that I should forbear. Before long, retracing our steps, we met Mr. Evans, who had parted with
