The Painted Veil

have an idea that the only thing which makes it possible to regard this world we live in without disgust is the beauty which now and then men create out of the chaos.

"Tao. Some of us look for the Way in opium and some in God, some of us in whisky and some in love. It is all the same Way and it leads nowhither."

Everything passed, and what trace of its passage remained?

"I can at all events say that I never drink except to excess."

Are you going to fall to my look of secret sorrow? Look at my profile and tell me if my nose isn't a trifle too long."

"I'm sorry you don't like my expression. The only reason I have for looking unhappy is that since I was twelve I've known that my nose was a little too long. But to cherish a secret sorrow is a most effective pose: you can't think how many sweet young men have wanted to console me."

he carried his liquor well. It made him hilarious, but not disagreeable.

But I certainly should never have thought of making love to you if you hadn't made it perfectly clear that you were ready to be made love to.

Are you angry with me?" he asked her.

"I adore you," she whispered.

"Don't you think you were very silly to waste so much time?"

"A perfect fool."

ought to have been told. Some one really ought to have warned me."

"What about?"

"No one said a word. How was I to know that I was going to meet a raging beauty?"

"Now what am I to say to that?"

"Nothing. Leave me to do the talking. And I'll say it over and over again."