"Pardon me," I said, "I did not know you were here," and I was about to depart, with the best attempt at a smile that I could muster.
She sprang up and asked, a little indignantly: "Am I infected with a pestilence that you so avoid me, Mr. Morton?"
"Oh, no," I replied, with a short, grim laugh; "if it were only a pestilence—I fear I disturbed your nap; but you know I'm a born blunderer."
"You said we should be friends," she began hesitatingly.
"Do you doubt it?" I asked gravely. "Do you doubt that I would hesitate at any sacrifice—?"
"I don't want sacrifices. I wish to see you happy, and your manner natural."
"I'm sure I've been cheerful during the past week."
"No, you have only seemed cheerful; and often I've seen you look as grim, hard, and stern as if you were on the eve of mortal combat."
"You observe closely, Miss Warren."
"Why should I not observe closely? Do you think me inhuman? Can I forget what I owe you, and that you nearly died?"