Yet what she had said was true.

Bridget had talked often enough of falling 'in love'-- which she had always been at pains to define as a mere transitory condition--not by any means the 'real thing,' and she had freely confessed to violent attractions and even adorations.

But, as she had sometimes solemnly stated, she had never 'loved.' 'I can't explain,' she went on.

'I know you think me a heartless, emotional flirt.

Yes, I am.