Page:A Virgin Heart.pdf/186

182 "Very little."

"The loss is yours. One of these days he will become a fine mind, if he gets over the sensual crisis. I'd like to marry him to someone."

"That's your panacea."

"Perhaps it is one, my friend, on condition that marriage is taken seriously. It's only in marriage that one can find stability. By the way, have you seen Des Boys' daughter? He writes to me from time to time. We have remained friends because, though he's a fool, he's a laconic fool. And then he's a very decent sort of fellow and a man to whom I owe my position. He seems to be almost embarrassed with his daughter. He has no connections in the world. What's she like? Pretty?"

"Yes."

"Intelligent? I mean, of course, as far as a woman can be intelligent."

"Yes."

"I think so."

"And now the principal thing—her health?"

"Good as far as one can see."