"No, Len. I know her better than you do. She is awake, thinking of me, as I am thinking of her. You are some years older than I, dear brother; have you ever been in love?"
"Yes, Gerald," replied Leonard, quietly.
"And you are still unmarried," said Gerald, pityingly. "How did it end?"
"Do not ask me, Gerald."
"Forgive me; it is a painful remembrance. She is dead?"
Leonard did not reply, and Gerald repeated,
"She is dead? I am sorry, very sorry."
"You need not be. She lives."
"How did it happen? You were true to her, I am sure."
"For heaven's sake, Gerald, do not force me to answer you. Let us talk of something else."