'Well, that's what I thought; that's all right, then.

What I wanted to say was that if ever I can help you in any way--if ever I can be of any use--will you please remember that I'm your friend.' Helen, still looking at him, said nothing for some moments.

And now, once more, a slight colour rose in her cheeks.

'I can't imagine why you should be my friend,' she said.

'I feel that I know a great deal about you; but you know nothing about me, and please believe me when I say that there's very little to know.' Already he knew her well enough to know that the slight colour, lingering on her cheek, meant that she was moved.