ness--certainly. But then each one of us has a different
conception of happiness. To one it is knowledge, to another the
fulfilling of duty, to lower natures wealth and worldly honors.
Therefore, it is possible to imagine that some one may find happiness
in pursuing a profession."

"Oh, no, my dear Herr Eynhardt, those are the mistaken views of gloomy
and limited natures who are incapable of recognizing the true object of
life. There are no two ideals of happiness--there is but one."

"And that is?"

"To wish for something very, very much--and get it."

"Even if it is something foolish?"

"Even then."

"And even if one should lose if afterward?"

She gazed for a while into the distance in silence and then said
firmly--"Yes, even then." And after a pause she added--"You have, at
least, had a moment of absolute happiness--when you found your wish
fulfilled. And what more do you want? One only lives to experience such
moments."

"Unfortunately, your theory of happiness does not fit every case. Where
is the happiness to come from for one who has no wishes at all, or who
wishes for something unattainable--perfect understanding, for instance?"

"A human being without a wish--is there such a thing?"

"Yes, Madame la Comtesse, there is."

"You perhaps?" she asked quickly.

"Perhaps," Wilhelm returned.

"Then you are not in love?" she said, and let her brilliant eyes rest
upon his melancholy face.

He shook his head gently without looking at her, as if ashamed of the
want of gallantry in such a confession.

"But at least you were once?" she persisted eagerly.

"Have I ever really been in love? Perhaps--Or no, I do not know myself."

"Thankless creature! You hesitate--you are not sure! How shameful of
you to deny the gods you have once worshiped! But that is the way with
you men. If you cease to love, you will not admit that you ever had
loved. Tell me, was there ever a moment in your life when you could
have answered my question--'Are you in love?'--with an unqualified Yes?"

"Yes, I have known such a moment. But, looking back upon it now--"

"No, no, you were quite right then and you are wrong now. That is just
your great mistake. You imagine that one can only love once, and that
love, to be real, must last forever. My poor friend, nothing lasts
forever, and the truest love is sometimes as perishable as the
loveliest rose--the most exquisite dream. But it is not to say that
because it is over we are to d