"Yes he did. You have heard of all that. Tregear told you."
"He told me something."
"Of course my father does not like it."
"Do you approve of it?"
"No," said he—curtly and sturdily.
"Why not? You like Tregear."
"Certainly I like Tregear. He is the friend, among men, whom I like the best. I have only two real friends."
"Who are they?" she asked, sinking her voice very low.
"He is one;—and you are the other. You know that."
"I hoped that I was one," she said. "But if you love Tregear so dearly, why do you not approve of him for your sister?"