Page:Selected Czech tales - 1925.djvu/62

 ‘But I am not “any girl.”’

‘You’re right there. Any other would have given heart for heart, it’s only you who gives pride for love.’

‘If you think love means no more than two people kissing each other, you do not know what love means, and never have known it. I don’t care for such love.’

‘And I don’t care for love without kindness and gentleness.’ Saying these words sadly and impressively, Lukas went out of the room, thinking more than ever of the Moper’s words. What he had said was unfortunately only too true; he was a wise and experienced man; only a fool could have disregarded his warning.

This time Vendulka was sorry to see Lukas turn away from her. So far he had only been annoyed and angry, but now he seemed seriously offended, perhaps he really doubted her affection, as he could see nothing but obstinacy in her attitude. That he could take this view had grieved her unspeakably; she minded it more than the comparison in her disfavour with his first wife. She was startled, and not without reason, to think how far things had already gone between them, that such words could have been spoken.