136
SHIRLEY.
"Wholly. As I was two hours since, and as I am now, are two different states of existence. I believe, Mr. Moore, griefs and fears nursed in silence grow like Titan infants."
"You will cherish such feelings no more in silence?"
"Not if I dare speak."
"In using the word 'dare,' to whom do you allude?"
"To you."
"How is it applicable to me?"
"On account of your austerity and shyness."
"Why am I austere and shy?"
"Because you are proud."
"Why am I proud?"
"I should like to know: will you be good enough to tell me?"
"Perhaps, because I am poor, for one reason: poverty and pride often go together."
"That is such a nice reason: I should be charmed to discover another that would pair with it. Mate that turtle, Mr. Moore."
"Immediately. What do you think of marrying to sober Poverty many-tinted Caprice?"
"Are you capricious?"
"You are."
"A libel. I am steady as a rock: fixed as the Polar Star."
"I look out at some early hour of the day, and see a fine, perfect rainbow, bright with promise,