Let him think
he wants to marry a woman; but don't let him exaggerate his
feelings or idealise their nature.'
'There's a good deal in all that,' admitted Whelpdale, though
discontentedly.
'There's more than a good deal; there's the last word on the
subject. The days of romantic love are gone by. The scientific
spirit has put an end to that kind of self-deception. Romantic
love was inextricably blended with all sorts of superstitions--
belief in personal immortality, in superior beings, in--all the
rest of it. What we think of now is moral and intellectual and
physical compatibility; I mean, if we are reasonable people.'
'And if we are not so unfortunate as to fall in love with an
incompatible,' added Whelpdale, laughing.
'Well, that is a form of unreason--a blind desire which science
could explain in each case. I rejoice that I am not subject to
that form of epilepsy.'
'You positively never were in love!'
'As you understand it, never. But I have felt a very distinct
preference.'
'Based on what you think compatibility?'
'Yes. Not strong enough to make me lose sight of prudence and
advantage.
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