"I think it is," she said sadly.
"It's only your point of view," he said. "Don't take things too seriously! And above all, stick to your friends!"
She looked at him very earnestly. "Will you be a true friend to me, Charlie?"
He bent, pressing her hand to his heart. "None so true as I!" he said.
She caught back a sigh. "I want a friend--terribly," she said.
"Behold me!" said Saltash.
She drew her hand slowly from him. "But don't make love to me!" she urged pleadingly. "Not even in jest! Let me trust you! Let me lean on you! Don't--don't trifle with me! I can't bear it!"
Her voice trembled suddenly. Her eyes filled with tears.
Saltash made a quick gesture as if something had hurt him. "I am not always trifling when I jest," he said. "That is the mistake you always made."
Maud was silent, struggling for self-command. Yet after a moment she gave him her hand again in mute response to his protest.