Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 2.djvu/256

246 "Very right, but in my judgment, what the world stigmatizes as romantic, is often more nearly allied to the truth than is commonly supposed; for, if the generous ideas of youth are too often overclouded by the sordid views of after-life, that scarcely proves them to be false."

"Well, but if you think her ideas are what they ought to be, strengthen them, will you? and confirm them, as far as you can; for I had romantic notions once, and— I don't mean to say that I regret my lot, for I am quite sure I don't— but—"

"I understand you," said I; "you are contented for yourself, but you would not have your sister to suffer the same as you."

"No—or worse. She might have far worse to suffer than I—for I am really contented, Helen, though you mayn't think it: I speak the solemn truth in saying that I would not exchange my husband for any man on earth, if I might do it by the plucking of this leaf."

"Well, I believe you: now that you have