I was more or less lonely and shy as a child and had few playmates--very few girls of my age.

I adored those I knew--but--well, I was not considered to be a very desirable playmate by those parents who knew the Malcourt history.
"One family was nice to me--some of them.

I usually cared a great deal for anybody who was nice to me.
"The point of all this biography is that I'm usually somewhat absurdly touched by the friendship of an attractive woman of my own sort--or, rather, of the sort I might have been.

That is my attitude toward you; you are amiable to me; I like you.
"Now, why am I not in love with you?
I've told you that it's because I will not let myself be in love with you.

Why?
"Dear--it's just because you _have_ been nice to me.