"What do you mean? I—I do not understand," stammered Minnie, with fast-beating heart.
"May I speak to you in full confidence? If you tell me I may do so, I shall trust you utterly."
"What is this matter to me? Why do you come to me about it?"
"Because I have been told by those whose words I believe, that you are gifted with a clear and strong judgment, as well as with all qualities that win love."
"You are mistaken. I am not gifted with the qualities that win love," said Minnie, bitterly. Then she asked, abruptly, "Did Mr. Diamond advise you to speak to me about Rhoda?"
"Nay; it was I who had recourse to his intercession to get speech of you."
"But he knows your errand?"
"In part he knows it. But I was not free to say to him all that I would fain say to you."
Minnie's face had a hard set look. "Well," she said, after a short silence, "I cannot refuse to hear you. But I warn you that I do not believe I can do any good in the matter."
"That will be overruled as the Lord wills."