He loved the sex, as a whole;
but distrusted them individually. He thought he knew exactly what they
were after. Pearl necklaces and things. He was a good American; fond of
bestowing pearl necklaces. But he liked to give them when, and to whom,
he fancied; he meant to be his own master and to keep his painfully
gotten millions under his own control. All of which, far from
extinguishing, actually fostered that queer bachelor's feeling of
reverential awe for the married state and its results. Every form of
courage and success appealed to van Koppen--none more than the reckless
impetuosity of a man who speculates in such a delirious lottery and
sometimes actually draws a prize. Such had been Count Caloveglia's
portion. His marriage had plainly been a love-match; a success; its
result, this offspring--a daughter of whom any father might be proud.
Mr. van Koppen thoroughly understood the Count's position. These
Italians need dowries for their girls. Well, he should have one! What
did it signify? One pearl necklace the less, for some operatic charmer.
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