"I certainly do not understand that. Had your father lived, it would have been; and I do not say this without reason for the assertion. I believe that he would have given you to me, Annabel, heartily, with all his good will."
"Yes, that may be true; I think you are right; but——"
"But what, then? One word, Annabel: the objection would not surely come from your heart?"
"No, it would not," she softly answered, blushing deeply. "Please do not speak of these things."
"I did not intend to speak of them so soon. But I wish to remind you that I do possess a right to share your troubles, of whatever nature those troubles may be. Come, my darling, tell me your grief."
"Indeed I cannot," she answered, "and you know I am not one to refuse anything from caprice. Let me go, Charles; I must make the tea."
I did let her go; but I bent over her first, without warning, and kissed her fervently.
"Oh, Charles!"
"As an earnest of a brother's love and care for you, Annabel, if you object for the present to the other," I whispered.
"Yes, yes; be a brother to me," she returned, with strange yearning. "No other tie can now be ours."