The child did not speak. 'But what is it, then? I thought I should have seen you dancing with joy.'
'I was a few minutes ago,' said Aglaia vaguely.
'And has something happened since then, little friend? Come! Tell me! They are all busy up there, so no one else will hear.'
'No; no; no; it's nothing,' said Aglaia, choking back her sobs. 'I am your little friend still.'
'Of course you are, dear. Did you think I was so fickle as to have forgotten you?'
The pink flush mounted to Aglaia's face.
'Please forgive me,' she said softly. 'And'—hesitating—
'Yes, dear—go on!'
'She is lovely. I think I shall love her, even though you do like her best.'
'Best!' echoed Tom, smiling. 'Now you are a little goose! Don't you know, Aglaia, that there are different kinds of loving! I love you as my child—my little friend.'