Once more he was conscious of the discomfort, slight and stealing, as though the gipsy knew too much already. But he protested, and with sincerity: “If there is anything to find you will certainly find it. I hope that you will find it worth your while. I hope that we shall be great friends.”
She smiled up at him, clearly and quietly: “I have always been your great friend.”
“Always? All this while?”
“All this while. Never mind if you haven’t felt it; I have. I will do for both.”
Her smile, her look, made him finally and completely understand the application of the well-worn word to her. She was charming. She could be lavish, pour out unasked bounty upon one, and yet, in no way undervaluing it, be full of delicacy, of humor, in her generosity.
“I thought I hadn’t any right to feel it,” said Gavan. “I thought you would not have remembered.”
“Well, you will find out—I always remember, it’s my strong point,” said Eppie.
IV
EXT morning at breakfast he had quite a new impression of her.