Still, he could always speak for the woman he had so definitely promised to "save." This wasn't quite for her the air of salvation; but as that chill fairly deepened what did it become but a reminder that one might at the worst perish WITH her?
And it was simple enough--it was rudimentary: not, not to give her away.
"I find in her more merits than you would probably have patience with my counting over.

And do you know," he enquired, "the effect you produce on me by alluding to her in such terms?
It's as if you had some motive in not recognising all she has done for your brother, and so shut your eyes to each side of the matter, in order, whichever side comes up, to get rid of the other.

I don't, you must allow me to say, see how you can with any pretence to candour get rid of the side nearest you." "Near me--THAT sort of thing ?" And Sarah gave a jerk back of her head that well might have nullified any active proximity.
It kept her friend himself at his distance, and he respected for a moment the interval.

Then with a last persuasive effort he bridged it.
"You don't, on your honour, appreciate Chad's fortunate development ?" "Fortunate ?" she echoed again.

And indeed she was prepared.