Page:O Genteel Lady! (1926).pdf/283

 'As many ways as there are men?' inquired Pauline with exaggerated courtesy.

Unoffended, Lanice continued: 'You fall in love one way and you think that is all there is to it. And then—some other person...and a different way...not the same, not the same ever again. Pauline, tell me. I've always wanted to ask, was Captain Jones really as handsome and fascinating as I thought he was?'

'The man was a viper. Unfit to undo the latchet of the shoe of a good woman—like Miss Gatherall or Mrs. Mosely. It was an insane infatuation.'

'But he must have been attractive. Even men like Mr. Ripley and Mr. Fox said he was...but I can't remember any more...he's gone from me, Pauline. I can't even see his face clearly and I've forgotten his voice.'

'One thing I wish you would tell me. Did you or did you not see this Jones man when you went to England?'

Lanice gazed at her cousin with startled, innocent eyes.

'Why, Pauline, of course not. A lady travelling alone cannot be too careful.'

'But do let me tell the Captain that you are here, Mr. Ripley. He will be vastly disappointed to wake up and find that I have kept you to myself for over an hour.'

'I would not interfere with the gentleman's Sunday