Zuleika Dobson; Or, An Oxford Love Story

“Oh, my dear fellow, don’t go,” said the Duke. “Sit down. Our Schools don’t come on for another year. A few minutes can’t make a difference in your Class. I want to--to tell you something, Noaks. Do sit down.” Noaks sat down on the edge of a chair. The Duke leaned against the mantel-piece, facing him. “I suppose, Noaks,” he said, “you have never been in love.” “Why shouldn’t I have been in love?” asked the little man, angrily. “I can’t imagine you in love,” said the Duke, smiling. “And I can’t imagine YOU. You’re too pleased with yourself,” growled Noaks. “Spur your imagination, Noaks,” said his friend. “I AM in love.” “So am I,” was an unexpected answer, and the Duke (whose need of sympathy was too new to have taught him sympathy with others) laughed aloud. “Whom do you love?” he asked, throwing himself into an arm-chair. “I don’t know who she is,” was another unexpected answer. “When did you meet her?” asked the Duke. “Where? What did you say to her?” “Yesterday. In the Corn. I didn’t SAY anything to her.” “Is she beautiful?” “Yes. What’s that to you?” “Dark or fair?” “She’s dark. She looks like a foreigner. She looks like--like one of those photographs in the shop-windows.” “A rhapsody, Noaks! What became of her? Was she alone?” “She was with the old Warden, in his carriage.” Zuleika--Noaks! The Duke started, as at an affront, and glared. Next moment, he saw the absurdity of the situation. He relapsed into his chair, smiling. “She’s the Warden’s niece,” he said. “I dined at the Warden’s last night.”