“He took his rifle and went out for a hunt,” she said, after a moment’s silence. “He begged that you would excuse him.”
“I find ample excuse in the pleasure of being alone with you.”
“Don’t say that; we must do nothing but what will profit and further the end he seeks.”
“Trust me, I hope to be strong; we must see a little of each other.”
“This is surely best,” she answered, with suppressed emotion.
“And yet, and yet,” he added, as if speaking to himself, “I have much to communicate to you, but loyalty to my friend forbids confidences, though it is not wrong of me to say I want to see you perfectly happy.”
Her lips moved nervously.
“Oh, how sweet your words, and uplifting, I shall keep heart, and work; I have much on my hands, as you see,” and so saying she pointed to a litter of correspondence on the table.