“It’s like this, Mrs. Cressler,” Laura explained. “I suppose I am very uncharitable and unchristian, but I like the people that like me, and I hate those that don’t like me. I can’t help it. I know it’s wrong, but that’s the way I am. And I love to be loved. The man that would love me the most would make me love him. And when Mr. Jadwin seems to care so much, and do so much, and⁠—you know how I mean; it does make a difference of course. I suppose I care as much for Mr. Jadwin as I ever will care for any man. I suppose I must be cold and unemotional.”

Mrs. Cressler could not restrain a movement of surprise.

“You unemotional? Why, I thought you just said, Laura, that you had imagined love would be like Juliet and like that girl in Faust ⁠—that it was going to shake you all to pieces.”