"You promise that?"
"I promise that, as far as it lies in my power, I will always befriend you."
"Ah, that is not enough," says she, laughing and sobbing in the same breath. "I am losing you for ever. Give me something to dwell upon, to hope for. Swear you will make me your guest sometimes."
"I swear it," says he huskily.
He removes her arms from his neck, and holds her from him. His face is gray.
"It is for the sake of our old friendship that I plead," says she.
The tears are running down her cheeks.
"Our friendship," repeats he, with a groan.
He makes a movement as if to fling her from him, then suddenly catches her to his heart, and presses his lips passionately to hers.
* * * * *