But her caution returned. With inconsequence and a touch of reproach she said: "You would rather have the mountain all to yourself, I believe."
"I should be twice desolate. But that has nothing to do with my request that you should keep where you not only are, but feel, safe."
"But if my fears are the result of my own imagination, why should any place be better?"
"You are fencing with me now. If you could tell me what it is you fear——"
She walked by his side as if thinking what she might answer him. "You used a phrase when you just spoke—what put it into your mind?—which perhaps expressed what I fear as literally as words can."
"What do you mean by endorsing such foolish words?"
"Your regard—your friendship, for us, is a very great comfort to us both—the best boon that Providence, if there be a Providence, could have sent us. Yet you have forced me to say what forfeits your regard."
"That would be impossible. Our regard for one another is based solidly upon that touch of good principle which makes the whole world neighbors."