“I shall be most happy,” said he.
She smiled sadly. A great change had passed upon her.
“I am going to be quite open with you,” she said. “I am perfectly aware, as well as you are, that the boyish fancy you had for me is gone. Do not be offended. You are manly enough, but your love for me was boyish. Most first loves are childish, quite irrespective of age. I do not blame you in the least.”
This seemed to Hugh rather a strange style to assume, if all was true that his own eyes had reported. She went on:
“Nor must you think it has cost me much to lose it.”
Hugh felt hurt, at which no one who understands will be surprised.
“But I cannot afford to lose you, the only friend I have,” she added.
Hugh turned towards her with a face full of manhood and truth.
“You shall not lose me, Euphra, if you will be honest to yourself and to me.”
“Thank you. I can trust you. I will be honest.”