9/23 Until a week or two ago I actually thought myself in love with Eleanor. There seemed a whimsical attraction in the idea of marrying a girl with a thousand virtues. Before me lay the pleasant prospect of reducing them--say, ten at a time--until I reached the limit at which life was possible, and then one by one until life became entertaining. I admired her exceedingly--a strapping, healthy English girl who looked you straight in the eyes and gripped you fearlessly by the hand. She visited the constituency and comported herself as if she had been a Member's wife since infancy, thereby causing my heart to swell with noble pride. |