Really, I had seen you before; I had seen you in imagination; you seemed almost an old friend.

So what I say is not mere gallantry and compliments and nonsense--I can't talk that way, I don't know how, and I wouldn't, to you, if I could.

It's as serious as such words can be.

I feel as if I knew you and knew what a beautiful, admirable woman you are.

I shall know better, perhaps, some day, but I have a general notion now.