"No; I wished to surprise you, my boy."
"It is a glad surprise," he murmured.
"I am sorry to see you so ill, Mr. Vernon," said Grace.
"I am so sorry to see you so ill, Mr. Vernon," said Grace, approaching, with a look of pity on her face. "Why did I not know before that you were ill?"
"I did not know that you would care—much," he said, slowly.
"I do care much; I look upon you as a valued friend."
His eyes fell as he heard these words. Yes, she looked upon him as a friend; but with that he felt he never could be content.
"Thank you," he said; "you were always kind." After a pause, he said:
"Miss Dearborn, I am afraid you would no longer be kind if you knew all."