"Ruth's mother has been dead seven years," said Nina.
"And what are seven years? I have known them for four-and-twenty."
"Nay; that cannot be."
"But I have. That is my age, and I was born, so to say, in their arms. Ruth Trendellsohn was ten years older than I — only ten."
"And Anton?"
"Anton was a year older than his sister; but you know Anton's age. Has he never told you his age?"
"I never asked him; but I know it. There are things one knows as a matter of course. I remember his birthday always."
"It has been a short always."
"No, not so short. Two years is not a short time to know a friend."
"But he has not been betrothed to you for two years?"