"That it still binds you is the material point—nothing else matters to me."
She sighed and leaned back.
"What if Lorraine does not believe your denial?" she suggested.
"I think he will believe it," Pendleton replied. "He asked me at the Hospital—it was the day I returned from Criss-Cross—to look out for you—to protect you from yourself."
"You never told me," she interrupted.
"No—I never told you—and I proceeded almost immediately to quarrel with you like a little boy."
"Because of his request?" she smiled.
"Forgetful of his request," he said contritely. "I've been a poor sort of friend to you, Stephanie. I never was Lorraine's friend and I think he knew it; I fancy that was why he asked me to look out for you—but I've done it atrociously. I'm a miserable——"
"You are the best friend I have, Montague!" she exclaimed, leaning forward and putting her hand on his arm,—"the best friend a woman ever had—you believe in me still, after I've done everything to forfeit your trust."
"I do—I'm only too glad to believe in you, sweetheart."