“Yes, dear, directly. But—Neil—”
“What is it?”
“May I talk to you?”
“Of course.”
“But as I used when you were at home and I told you all my secrets?”
“I hope you will, Bel. Why shouldn’t you trust your big brother?”
“Yes; why not?” she said eagerly. “And you will not think me a silly girl nor forward?”
“I hope not.”
“Nor that I should not have spoken to you at such a time?”
“Why, what is the terrible secret, then?” he whispered, as he kissed her tenderly and made her throw her arms about his neck and utter a sob.