"You would run some risk of simply destroying it by the method you
propose," said Lydia, with composure. "We could not co-operate.
There are differences of opinion between us amounting to differences
of principle."
"Surely you are not serious. Your political opinions, or notions,
are not represented by any party in England; and therefore they are
practically ineffective, and could not clash with mine. And such
differences are not personal matters."
"Such a party might be formed a week after our marriage--will, I
think, be formed a long time before our deaths. In that case I fear
that our difference of opinion would become a very personal matter."
He began to walk more quickly as he replied, "It is too absurd to
set up what you call your opinions as a serious barrier between us.
You have no opinions, Lydia. The impracticable crotchets you are
fond of airing are not recognized in England as sane political
convictions."
Lydia did not retort. She waited a minute in pensive silence, and
then said, "Why do you not marry Alice Goff?"
"Oh, hang Alice Goff!"
"It is so easy to come at the man beneath the veneer by expertly
chipping at his feelings," said Lydia, laughing. "But I was serious,
Lucian. Alice is energetic, ambitious, and stubbornly upright in
questions of principle. I believe she would assist you steadily at
every step of your career. Besides, she has physical robustness. Our
student-stock needs an infusion of that."
"Many thanks for the suggestion; but I do not happen to want to
marry Miss Goff."
"I invite you to consider it. Yon have not had time yet to form any
new plans."
"New plans! Then you absolutely refuse me--without a moment's
consideration?"
"Absolutely, Lucian. Does not your instinct warn you that it would
be a mistake for you to marry me?"
"No; I cannot say that it does."
"Then trust to mine, which gives forth no uncertain note on this
question, as your favorite newspapers are fond of saying."
"It is a question of feeling," he said, in a constrained voice.
"Is it?" she replied, with interest. "You have surprised me
somewhat, Lucian. I have never observed any of the extravagances of
a lover in your conduct."
"And you have surprised me very unpleasantly, Lydia. I do not think
now that I ever had much hope of success; but I thought, at least,
that my disillusion would be gently accomplished."