Page:Maud Howe - A Newport Aquarelle.djvu/96

 sometimes the greatest pleasure to go for a gallop en croupe behind a gallant rider who bestrides a well-groomed hobby. Now I was in mid gallop over a new road, familiar to you, interesting to me, when the hobby, being well bred, does not stumble, but the man does, and down we all come together, dissatisfied and balked of our ride. The stone in the road which upset us being nothing in the world but the suspicion—vanity—how shall I call that quality in the Boston man which is so individual, so intangible, so utterly exasperating?"

"You cannot expect me to help you to find that word which is to condemn myself."

"I have it—caution."

"Miss Carleton, if a man would keep his peace of mind, he must hold fast to caution in your society."

"Why?"

"Because your fascinations are so devastating to future security and peace."

"Then you would rather not be fascinated?