Page:Margaret Sherwood--A Puritan in Bohemia.djvu/130

122 "It is because love is the surest way of forgetting one's self," said Mrs. Kent, "that I want you to know it. Marriage is self-abnegation"

"Marriage, as I have observed it, is mostly co-operative selfishness," interrupted Anne. "The trouble is, we are talking as if this were an abstract question. In reality there aren't any abstract questions, only individual problems. I cannot consent to marry the wrong man because marriage in general is a good thing!"

She looked reproachfully at Mrs. Kent, as they parted at the door of the studio building.

"Even you have deserted me. I've no one to stand by me but myself. I'm not an English princess; I'm not a favourite of the Sultan, and I won't be married unless I want to."

Anne climbed the stairs wearily. Once she stopped, and put her head down on the railing.

"Oh, I wish I did care!" she said, half aloud. "I wish I could!"