"Yes," answered Gwin slowly. "I have always liked you, Elma."
"We were friends," continued Elma, wiping the tears passionately from her cheeks; "and I did think last night, when I was in such trouble, that perhaps you could come to my aid. I thought you would trust me without my telling you everything."
"I cannot, Elma," said Gwin again.
"Why?"
Elma now looked steadily into Gwin's face. Gwin looked gravely into hers. After a time Gwin spoke slowly:
"Because," she said—"forgive me, Elma—you are not trustworthy."
"Oh!" said Elma. She turned first pale and then red.
"There is no use in my staying," she said, after a pause. "I am sorry I got you up so early."
"Oh, that does not matter," said Gwin, in an altered tone. "I would do what I could to help you; but I cannot do the impossible."
"I see that I was mistaken in you."