John.

Ah, yes. “Don’t fret; it’ll be all the same a hundred years hence.”

Theophila.

Which you couldn’t act upon, yourself. How vexed it used to make me—and the ponderous way you said it!

John.

Well, it was a good, helpful friendship to me.

Theophila.

And to me.

John.

[Standing a little behind her; speaking calmly, but watching her eagerly.] Because, all the while, there was never one single thought of anything but friendship on either side.