And if I seemed to come to it easily just now, because I came to it all at once, don't think it was so really, Eddy, for O, it was very, very hard, and O, I am very, very sorry!' Her full heart broke into tears again.

He put his arm about her waist, and they walked by the river-side together.
'Your guardian has spoken to me too, Rosa dear.

I saw him before I left London.' His right hand was in his breast, seeking the ring; but he checked it, as he thought: 'If I am to take it back, why should I tell her of it ?' 'And that made you more serious about it, didn't it, Eddy?
And if I had not spoken to you, as I have, you would have spoken to me?
I hope you can tell me so?
I don't like it to be _all_ my doing, though it _is_ so much better for us.' 'Yes, I should have spoken; I should have put everything before you; I came intending to do it.

But I never could have spoken to you as you have spoken to me, Rosa.' 'Don't say you mean so coldly or unkindly, Eddy, please, if you can help it.' 'I mean so sensibly and delicately, so wisely and affectionately.' 'That's my dear brother!' She kissed his hand in a little rapture.

'The dear girls will be dreadfully disappointed,' added Rosa, laughing, with the dewdrops glistening in her bright eyes.