husband?'

'Would it not be equally just to say women are more alike in love
than in anything else? Mind, I do not say alike, but more alike. Is
it not the passion which levels us all?'

'Oh, mother, mother! did one ever hear such dreadful blasphemy? That
the loves, for example, of two such cultivated, exquisite creatures
as Clara and myself would be nothing different from those of the
barmaids next door?'

'Well, at anyrate, I do not want to see MY children in love to
understand what they are--to me at least.'

'Then, if you comprehend us so completely--and let us have no more
philosophy--just tell me, should I make a good actress? Oh! to be
able to sway a thousand human beings into tears or laughter! It must
be divine.'

'No, I do not think you would,' replied Clara.

'Why not, miss? YOUR opinion, mind, was not asked. Did I not act to
perfection last night?'

'Yes.'

'Then why are you so decisive?'

'Try a different part some day. I may be mistaken.'