I yearned to tell her all that she was to me--all that I hoped we might be to one another in the years to come.
At length I ventured to break in upon her reverie.
"What are you thinking about so earnestly, fair lady ?" She turned quickly with a bright smile and sparkling eyes that looked frankly into mine.

"I was wondering," said she, "if he was jealous of my new friend.

But what a baby I am to talk such nonsense!" She laughed softly and happily with just an adorable hint of shyness.
"Why should he be jealous ?" I asked.
"Well, you see, before--we were friends, he had me all to himself.

I have never had a man-friend before--except my father--and no really intimate friend at all.

And I was very lonely in those days, after our troubles had befallen.