The matter had somehow become of the first importance, and she had every intention of gaining her end.
"It isn't fair not to tell me now, unless," with sudden doubt, "it's somebody whose acquaintance you are ashamed of." He winced at that, and drew himself up so sharply that she thought for a moment that he was about to turn on his heel and walk away.

Then very quietly he spoke.
"You will not understand, and yet you constrain me to speak.
Mademoiselle, I am without shame in this matter.

It is true that I fought in the cause of a woman, perhaps it would be more true if I said of a child--one who has given me no more than her _camaraderie_, her confidence, her friendship, so innocent and so amiable; but these things are very precious to me, and that is why I cannot lightly speak of them.
You will not understand my words now, but perhaps some day it may be my privilege to teach you their signification." He stopped.

Chris was gazing at him in amazement, her young face deeply flushed.
"Do you mean me ?" she asked at last.

"You didn't--you couldn't--fight on my account!" He made her a grave bow.