“Because I love you.”
This was not very logical, and set Arctura thinking. She did not forgive the boy because he loved her; but the boy’s love to her might make him sure she forgave him! Love is its own justification, and sees itself in all its objects: forgiveness is an essential belonging of love, and must be seen where love is seen.
“Are you fond of my brother?” asked Davie, after a pause.
“Why do you ask me?”
“Because they say you and he are going to be married some day, yet you don’t seem to care much to be together.”
“It is all nonsense!” replied Arctura, reddening. “I wish people would not talk foolishness!”
“Well, I do think he’s not so fond of you as of Eppy!”
“Hush! hush! you must not speak of such thing.”
“I saw him once kiss Eppy, and I never saw him kiss you!”
“No, indeed!”