The girl from Porto Rico occupied a prime place in all these reflections. Every word that had been spoken by her on the preceding night came again before his mental vision, and underwent a revised scrutiny. New solutions sprang up, for he was able to better understand certain things that were uttered. Still there was much to puzzle him. How came she to know of Cleo, his cousin—true, in times past, when paradise seemed opening to his feet—ah, what a fool's dream he had indulged in—he must have frequently spoken of his cousin, for she was often in his mind; but that would not account for her pertinent remarks concerning Cleo's attachment for him. Was it jealousy prompted this? Roderic flushed with pleasure at the very thought of such a thing, since the green-eyed monster can never lodge in a human heart unless there still remains love to stir the depths. [52] [52] Then, somehow, he felt a strange shudder pass through his whole frame. Would it bring trouble of any kind to this loyal cousin, whose welfare was certainly as dear to him as that of a sister? He knew much of these southern women—their virtues and frailties—and realized what a serious thing it meant to be passionately loved by one of them, and how ill they brooked rivalry. The love Georgia had given him was so entirely different from the pure, unselfish devotion of which Cleo was capable—he knew this as well as any one, and yet with his eyes open he had chosen the rush of the hurricane to the calm, steady current of never changing regard. Love is a little god who will have his way despite reason and philosophy. Once poor mortal falls under his sway and farewell to discernment—from that time on Cupid sits in the balance, and weighs things to suit his own capricious nature. Thus our good Roderic found himself worried with a variety of new questions, such as it had not occurred to him before could ever come up in connection with his affairs. They
Prev.
Back
Top