“Exactly,” he said, calmly, but with a little heightened color.
“Why don’t you tell her so?”
His color deepened, and he glanced at her wistfully.
“I wish I dared,” he said under his breath.
“I’ve not remarked any great lack of courage on your part in that way,” said Esmeralda, dryly.
“Oh, no; I’ve got cheek enough for most things,” he assented, with a sigh. “But—but— Isn’t she—isn’t she—”
Esmeralda laughed softly.
“Yes; she is the sweetest and dearest girl in all the world,” she said. “And you are just finding it out? Ah, how happy you must be!”
And she sighed.
“Happy!” He flushed. “I don’t see where the happiness comes in. You appear to forget that I am a pauper, Esmeralda.”