He had
even dared to tell her so,--saying of that American that 'of course
he loved her the best'!
Over and over again since that she had asked herself whether there
was no chance. Though he had loved that other one best she would
take him if it were possible. When the invitation came from the
Duke she would not lose a chance. She had told him that it was
impossible that he, the heir of the Duke of Omnium, should marry
an American. All his family, all his friends, all his world would
be against him. And then he was so young,--and, as she thought, so
easily led. He was lovable and prone to love,--but surely his love
could not be very strong, or he would not have changed so easily.
She did not hesitate to own to herself that this American was very
lovely. She too, herself, was beautiful. She too had a reputation
for grace, loveliness, and feminine high-bred charm. She knew all
that, but she knew also that her attractions were not so bright as
those of her rival. She could not smile or laugh or throw sparks
of brilliance around her as did the American girl.
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