"I was at the very center of his life. I don't think I am more than on the fringe of yours."
"A very priceless fringe to a very worthless fabric!" said he, kissing her hand.
"Yes," she answered, with a smile, "you are perfect in that. You might give lessons in amatory deportment."
"Out of a full heart the mouth speaketh."
"Ah! does it? May not a lover be too point-de-vice in his speeches as well as in his accouterments? Father Stafford came to me pale, yes, trembling, and with rugged words."
"I am not the man that Stafford is—save for my lady's favor."
"And you came in confidence?"
"You had let me hope."
"You have known it for a long while. I don't trust you, you know, but I must. Will you treat me as you treated Kate?"
"Slander!" cried he gayly. "I didn't 'treat' Kate. Kate 'treated' me."