'Then it has been successful,' rejoined his lordship; 'for my only
wish was to amuse you.'
'I think we have all been equally amused,' said Venetia. 'I never knew
mamma in such good spirits. I think ever since you returned she has
been unusually light-hearted.'
'And you: has my return lightened only her heart, Venetia?'
'Indeed it has contributed to the happiness of every one.'
'And yet, when I first returned, I heard you utter a complaint; the
first that to my knowledge ever escaped your lips.'
'Ah! we cannot be always equally gay.'
'Once you were, dear Venetia.'
'I was a child then.'
'And I, I too was a child; yet I am happy, at least now that I am with
you.'
'Well, we are both happy now.'
'Oh! say that again, say that again, Venetia; for indeed you made me
miserable when you told me that you had changed. I cannot bear that
you, Venetia, should ever change.'
'It is the course of nature, Plantagenet; we all change, everything
changes. This day that was so bright is changing fast.'
'The stars are as beautiful as the sun, Venetia.'
'And what do you infer?'
'That Venetia, a woman, is as beautiful as Venetia, a little girl; and
should be as happy.'
'Is beauty happiness, Plantagenet?'
'It makes others happy, Venetia; and when we make others happy we
should be happy ourselves.
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