It is not always easy for a woman to understand
a man, for men soon learn to conceal what hurts them but take little
trouble to hide their happiness, if they are honest. A man more often
betrays himself by a look of pleasure than by an expression of
disappointment. It was thought manly to bear pain in silence long before
it became fashionable to seem indifferent to joy.
Orsino's manner displeased Maria Consuelo. It was too quiet and cold and
she thought he cared less than he really did.
"You say nothing," he said at last.
"What shall I say? You speak of something preventing me from loving you
as you love me. How can I tell how much you love me?"
"Do you not see it? Do you not feel it?" Orsino's tone warmed again as
he turned towards her, but he was conscious of an effort. Deeply as he
loved her, it was not natural for him to speak passionately just at that
moment, but he knew she expected it and he did his best. She was
disappointed.
"Not always," she answered with a little sigh.
"You do not always believe that I love you?"
"I did not say that.
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