"I think that I and the world were wrong," said he. "She is not shallow, but she is humble rather than vain; as for ambition, she is perhaps too much without it; and I should not be surprised if somewhere about her pretty little self she had a true woman's heart, which she is not yet conscious of." John laughed. "Look out, old man," said he; "only a poet is allowed to fall in love with his own creation. Never say I have not given you fair warning. Ten Eyck was very attentive to her at one time; and the world believed that she wanted to marry him. But he was appointed _chargé d'affaires_ at London; and left her without bringing matters to an issue. Since then, when he has been back in New York once or twice, he has entirely dropped her." "And do you mean to say that she still cares for him after that?" "So the world thinks; and the world is apt to be right in such matters." "Bah!" said Vane. "No woman could care for a man who had once led her to believe he loved her, and left her." "Humph!" answered John. "That may be true of woman in the abstract; but I am not sure of its truth in this longitude. It is easier to judge woman in general than a New York girl in particular." "At all events," said Vane, "I give her full leave to try her skill on me, skilful as you say she is. Indeed, if you think she is fair game for what you call a flirtation, you have removed my only scruples." "Very well, old boy--go in. But Miss Thomas once told another girl that she could understand any man in two days' acquaintance. Don't go in too deep." "Nonsense!" thought Vane when John had left. "I flatter myself I am beyond her hurting. It is pleasant enough to have her as a friend. I wish I could wish to marry her." And he called to his mind Brittany and that last rose. "But I am sorry if she really can still care for that man. Ten Eyck was his name? I should be sorry to like her less. How strange these American women are! Now, in France--Bah!" he broke off, "it can't be true; and, after all, what do I care if it is?"