"No matter. Wait till she calls. Now, Helen, tell me, what do you think of that letter I read out to you yesterday—eh?"
For answer Helen rubbed her hands together for joy, and flushed all over her face. Then clasping her hands upon her breast, and looking upwards, muttered as if unconscious of anyone's presence, "I knew, I knew he loved me!"
"Yes, I am afraid he does, you dangerous young puss," observed Oldstone. "Too much so for his peace of mind, poor boy!"
"Perhaps, but not more than I love him. That were impossible."
"And you're not afraid of confessing as much to me, you brazen hussy?" demanded the old man, playfully chucking her under the chin.
"To you, you know I am not," replied the girl. "To you, sir, I feel I could, nay, I must, tell everything, and oh! it is such a comfort to have a real true friend from whom one need hide nothing!"
"Well, well, my dear," said Oldstone, "I am sure I have always wished to be your true friend, but whether I am doing right in encouraging you in a passion which cannot end wisely——"
"It need never end," interrupted Helen. "I will love him eternally, even if he should cease to love me."
"You would!" exclaimed the antiquary with surprise, looking at her curiously.
"Yes, sir, I would. What of that?"