“Ah! something troubles you—​I feel certain of that. I am afraid you are in love.”

He started.

“Oh! dear me, no such thing,” he exclaimed, vehemently.

“Pardon me, I know I must appear very rude. Let us go.”

She rose, went out into the street, and he followed.

“You do not need me to tell you that sorrow is robbed of half its bitterness if we have any one to share it with us,” said Laura.

“Indeed, that is very true,” he murmured.

“But we can’t discuss topics of this nature in the public street,” she added.

“Ah, I forgot. May I see you home?”

“If you like.”