woman, could fail to be? But I shall know the man towards whom I am
destined to occupy the relation that Comte's Countess did to him, at a
glance. No words will need to pass between us to assure us that we are
one in sentiment. It will be as impossible for him to be indifferent to
elevating the taste of the masses in matters of domestic detail, or be
otherwise wanting in a whole-hearted devotion to the service of humanity,
or to scoff at the theory of evolution, as it would be for him to accept
the errors and superstitions of an obsolete theology, or the antiquated
dogmas of the Conservatives about landed property.

_Ad_. And if I fulfilled all these conditions, so far as a thorough
philosophical and political sympathy was concerned, would that avail me
nothing to produce this hidden affinity?

_El_. Absolutely nothing. In the first place, you could not pretend to
believe and feel what you did not believe and feel; and in the second, if
you could, I should instantly sense the absence of that internal
attraction towards each other which would be irresistible in both. You
were right, Mr Gresham, when you said the heart and not the head should
be the guide; and I trust it absolutely--so give up a hope which must be
vain. Believe me, I feel deeply pained at having to speak so decidedly,
but it is better that you should be under no delusion. Still, do not let
me lose you as a friend whom I shall always esteem. You will soon get
over it, and will have no difficulty in finding a wife who will suit you
far better than I should ever have done.

_Ad_. There, believe me, you are mistaken; but it is a point impossible
to discuss. Good-bye, Lady Elaine. Thanks for your frankness and
patience with me. Perhaps I shall get over it, as you say. I shall take
refuge in my yacht, and try the curative effect of a cruise round the