Page:Neith Boyce--The bond.djvu/202

200 didn't want him—what a fool I was! … But there's a good side to not wanting things you haven't got, and idealising them, and thinking if you only had them, how happy you'd be. I've never done that. It always seems to me that if I can't be happy with what I've got, I can't anyway. And I do really think I've got all there is to get in life—all there is for me. … I might like a little more money but nothing else!"

Basil held her hand clasped in his, and listened.

"You like excitement," he said.

"Oh, a little, now and then—a new dress, an interesting talk But I don't need much, do I, now?"

"I don't know. You wouldn't like to have anything cut off."

"Well, would you?"

"No—and I like you to be full of life, as you are. You wouldn't interest me half as much if you were different! You fascinate me, and always have. Only be good—as good as you can!"

Teresa did not protest when he rumpled her hair in a quick embrace. She laughed gaily.

"Life is good," she said contentedly.

The dinner was gay, and too large for general talk. Basil was near one end of the table, and Teresa near the other, with Fairfax beside her—a provision of the hostess. Teresa thoroughly