But you threaten to take away from a girl the very happiness you so
kindly arrange for her; you are tearing away every gesture, every
word, every look; you cut the wings of your bird, and then expect it
to hover about you. I know poets are accused of inconsistency--oh!
very unjustly," she added, as Canalis made a gesture of denial; "that
alleged defect which comes from the brilliant activity of their minds
which commonplace people cannot take into account. I do not believe,
however, that a man of genius can invent such irreconcilable
conditions and call his invention life. You are requiring the
impossible solely for the pleasure of putting me in the wrong,--like
the enchanters in fairy-tales, who set tasks to persecuted young girls
whom the good fairies come and deliver."
"In this case the good fairy would be true love," said Canalis in a
curt tone, aware that his elaborate excuse for a rupture was seen
through by the keen and delicate mind which Butscha had piloted so
well.
"My dear poet, you remind me of those fathers who inquire into a
girl's 'dot' before they are willing to name that of their son.
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