Page:Margaret Sherwood--A Puritan in Bohemia.djvu/173

A Puritan Bohemia battle. Either you are incapable of a great devotion"

Anne's nostrils dilated.

"The meanest device of those who have not been able to stir your nature to its depths is to suggest that it has no depths," she remarked loftily.

"Oh, you have taken a vow, and you don't dare break it."

"I haven't!" cried Anne. "No woman ever makes a resolution like that without leaving a reserve clause in it. Only, you aren't in my reserve clause."

"Then it is just that old child-perversity of yours. You won't give up, simply because you do care. For I believe you do not know your own mind about the matter. You change your point of view so often. You give a different reason every time."

"I seem to be consistent in my decision," said Anne, painting steadily. "I have told you that I cannot serve two masters. Perhaps it is because I am a woman. Perhaps it is because I am I.