"This is folly, dear friend," said she, looking down; "I never was yours to lose."
"But you lured me to love you, Valerie; and now--now you would cast--nay, you have cast--my poor heart back upon itself!"
"I lured you?" asked the gentle voice; "O unjust! How could I help your loving me?"
"Perhaps not; nor could I help it myself."
"Tell me truly--has this--this misplaced passion for me lured you from one who loves you well at home perhaps?"
"From no one," said I, bitterly.
"Thank Heaven for that; and we shall part as friends any way."
"As friends only?"
"Yes."
"But you will ever be more to me, Valerie."