ble for him to be indifferent to
elevating the taste of the masses in matters of domestic detail, or be
otherwise wanting in a whole-hearted devotion to the service of humanity,
or to scoff at the theory of evolution, as it would be for him to accept
the errors and superstitions of an obsolete theology, or the antiquated
dogmas of the Conservatives about landed property.

_Ad_. And if I fulfilled all these conditions, so far as a thorough
philosophical and political sympathy was concerned, would that avail me
nothing to produce this hidden affinity?

_El_. Absolutely nothing. In the first place, you could not pretend to
believe and feel what you did not believe and feel; and in the second, if
you could, I should instantly sense the absence of that internal
attraction towards each other which would be irresistible in both. You
were right, Mr Gresham, when you said the heart and not the head should
be the guide; and I trust it absolutely--so give up a hope which must be
vain. Believe me, I feel deeply pained at having to speak so decidedly,
but it is better that you should be under no delusion. Still, do not let
me lose you as a friend whom I shall always esteem. You will soon get
over it, and will have no difficulty in finding a wife who will suit you
far better than I should ever have done.

_Ad_. There, believe me, you are mistaken; but it is a point impossible
to discuss. Good-bye, Lady Elaine. Thanks for your frankness and
patience with me. Perhaps I shall get over it, as you say. I shall take
refuge in my yacht, and try the curative effect of a cruise round the
world. It will be a year at least before we meet again. [_Exit_
Adolphus.

_El_. Poor Adolphus! how absolutely impossible is love, where the hidden
sympathy of soul is wanting!--and yet how nice he is [_sighs_], and how
manfully he accepted his fate! What philosophy can really explain the
mystery of that magnetic affinity called love, which so unaccountably
exercises its attracting influences over the whole animal creation, and
most probably over plants? If it is a latent potentiality of matter, how
did it get there? Now for a scene with mamma.

[_Exit_ Elaine.

SCENE III.--The Countess of Gules's Boudoir. Lady Gules and Lady Elaine
reading. Enter Charles with card and letter.

_El_. [_reading card_]. Mr Adolphus Plumper! Is the gentleman coming up-
stairs, Charles?

_Charles_. No, my lady; he only left the card and this