"Have you really missed me?" he asked, feeling happier than he had for weeks.
"If you doubt what I say, how can I convince you?"
"No, no, I don't doubt you now, Nellie."
"Why do you say now? Have you ever doubted my word?"
"No, I did not mean that."
"I hope you will explain, so I shall not feel uncomfortable."
Fred hesitated, hardly knowing how to reply.
"Nellie, it seems like the old days to meet you again," he finally answered, "and I shrink from thinking of the past weeks when I could hardly help doubting nearly every one's friendship."
"I am so sorry for you, and I hope you will forgive me for not being more friendly," replied Nellie tenderly.
"I forgive you cheerfully, though I did feel hurt at the time."