“You honour me with the name of friend,” I said, for I remembered our parting in the past had been short and cold.
“Yes,” he confirmed, “I think I am almost willing to take your old advice and form the alliance, the one of which you spoke.”
I laughed.
“I am afraid at present I am little use, being no better than an invalid, and in my poverty reduced to borrowed garments, as you see.”
He glanced at me, then shook his head.
“We neither lend nor borrow here,” he said. “What you have is yours by right—a right stronger than ever money gave.”
Sunbeam then joined in the conversation for the first time.
“Mother made it from the pattern you sent her. I helped her to blend the coloured silken threads, and those of gold and silver.”
Virginius put Sunbeam down.
“You will excuse me a little while. This is scarcely the attire for a peaceful meal, but I shall soon be back again.”