Because my friends
were good to me, the world was good to me, I got into the habit of
believing that I was lovable, and of loving in return. And I trusted
people. I always thought they were giving me what I was giving them.
That has been my great folly, the folly I'm punished for. I have been
a credulous fool. I have thought that because I gave a thing with all
my heart it was--it must be--given back to me. And yet I was surprised
--I could scarcely believe it--when--when--"
He knew she was thinking of her beautiful wonder when Maurice had said
he loved her.
"I could scarcely believe it! But, because I was a fool, I got to
believe it, and I have believed it till to-day--you have stood by, and
watched me believing it, and laughed at me for believing it till
to-day."
"Hermione!"
"Yes, you mayn't have meant to laugh, but you must have laughed. Your
mind, your intellect must have laughed. Don't say they haven't. I
wouldn't believe you. And I know your mind--at any rate, I know that.
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