My father chose the law for his profession, why should he
rebel if I choose dilettanteism?"
"Because it is no profession at all. I am sure he would not mind what
you did, if it were only real work."
[Illustration: 'TAKE HER, RANDOLF, SHE IS WORTHY OF YOU.']
"Oh, pshaw! Always work, Evadne. I tell you I prefer to play. Miss
Angel told me at the General's ball last night that she liked a man who
took his glass and smoked and did all the rest of the naughty things."
"She is an angel of darkness, luring you on to ruin."
Louis shrugged his shoulders. "Possibly. If so, she is disguised as an
angel of light. She sings divinely."
"So did the Sirens."
Louis laughed. "She has promised to go for a sail with me to-morrow.
Better come along, coz, and keep us off the rocks."
Evadne was silent.
"I like such a girl as that," he continued. "She has common sense and
makes a fellow feel comfortable. These moral altitudes of yours are all
very fine in theory, but the atmosphere is too rare for me."
"It is no real kindness to make you satisfied with your lowest. I want
you to rise to your best. Oh, Louis, won't you let Christ make your life
grand? It would be such a happiness to me!" She laid her hand upon his
shoulder. Louis caught it in his and drew her round in front of his
chair.
"Do you really mean that, little coz? Upon my word, it is the strongest
inducement you could offer me.
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