"'My dear Ida,' says Arthur—of course I went by my real name, while I was in Soundport—'this former affection was a spiritual one, in fact. Although the lady aroused my deepest sentiments, and was, as I thought, my ideal woman, I never met her, and never spoke to her. It was an ideal love. My love for you, while no less ideal, is different. You wouldn't let that come between us.'
"'Was she pretty?' I asked.
"'She was very beautiful,' said Arthur.
"'Did you see her often?' I asked.
"'Something like a dozen times,' says he.
"'Always from a distance?' says I.
"'Always from quite a distance,' says he.
"'And you loved her?' I asked.
"'She seemed my ideal of beauty and grace—and soul,' says Arthur.
"'And this keepsake that you keep under lock and key, and moon over at times, is that a remembrance from her?'