"There is no need for another word. You have been looking over some old family papers, and they have aroused melancholy reminiscences. I should have been more thoughtful; I was wrong in coming to you. It will be best to say good-night."
But Almer, anxious to avoid the slightest cause for suspicion in the right direction, said:
"Nay, stay with me a few minutes longer, or I shall reproach myself for having behaved unreasonably. You were asking----"
"A delicate question. Whether you love without being loved in return?"
"No, Edward, that is not the case with me."
"You have no intention of marrying?"
"No."
"Then your heart is still free. You reassure me. You are not suffering from what has been described as the most exquisite of all human sufferings--unrequited love. Neither have you experienced a disappointment in friendship?"
"No. I have scarcely a friend with the exception of yourself."
"And my wife. You must not forget her. She takes a cordial interest in you."