"I declare, Sepia," she went on, drawling the declaration, "if I were to be asked whether I would go on or not--" "You would ask a little time to make up your mind, Hesper, I fancy," suggested Sepia, for Hesper had paused.

As she did not reply, Sepia resumed.
"Which is your favorite poison, Hesper ?" she said.
"When I choose, it will be to use," replied Hesper.
"Rhyming, at last!" said Sepia.
But Hesper would not laugh, and her perfect calmness checked the laughter which would have been Sepia's natural response: she was careful not to go too far.
"Do you know, Hesper," she said, with seriousness, "what is the matter with you ?" "Tolerably well," answered Hesper.
"You do not--let me tell you.

You are nothing but a baby yet.

You have no heart." "If you mean that I have never been in love, you are right.

But you talk foolishly; for you know that love is no more within my reach than if I were the corpse I feel." Sepia pressed her lips together, and nodded knowingly; then, after a moment's pause, said: "When your hour is come, you will understand.