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32 whom we remain on good terms to our old age? Why, those whom we never cared much about."

"What a selfish idea!" exclaimed Madame de Mercœur."

"I am only speaking the truth, which, to be sure, I might have put into finer words. Had I talked of inconstancy, the misery of unreciprocated feelings, of love enduring as love never yet endured, both yourself and Signora Carrara would have been equally charmed and touched. Ay, ay, merge the selfishness in the sentiment, and it will be sure to take; people will be so thankful to you for a decent excuse!"

"Have you, then, no belief," asked Madame de Mercœur, "in disinterested and lasting attachment?"

"Passe pour cela," exclaimed the Chevalier; "I will not answer for all the vain beliefs that may have passed through that receptacle of confusion called the human mind; but this I will say, that the causes of inconstancy are much misunderstood. It is commonly said that love never lasts. Now, that is not so much from change, or that it exhausts itself, as that it is mixed up with the paltry cares and daily interests of life; thus losing its ideality, which constitutes its great charm. Two lovers begin by reading poetry, and end by