"I've nothing to forgive," said Agnes, with a cruel little laugh, but changing colour.
"Well—well, forget—oh, do! and shake hands like your old self. You've no idea how miserable I have been."
Lowering her eyes, with a very beautiful blush and a smile—a little shy, and so gratified—and a little silvery laugh, Agnes relented, and did give her hand to Tom Sedley.
"Oh, Agnes! Oh, Agnes! I'm so happy and so grateful! Oh, Agnes, you won't take it away—just for a moment."
She drew her hand to remove it, for Tom was exceeding his privilege, and kissing it.
"Now we are friends," said Agnes, laughing.
"Are we quite friends?"
"Yes, quite."
"You must not take your hand away—one moment more. Oh, Agnes! I can never tell you—never, how I love you. You are my darling, Agnes, and I can't live without you."
Agnes said something—was it reproof or repulse? He only knew that the tones were very sad and gentle, and that she was drawing her hand away.