"Or come in to make my true character, my real self," said Herrick.
"Put it so if you will; mine was a gentler way," said Jean. "I would save you from yourself."
Herrick remained thoughtful for some considerable time, and Jean did not interrupt his reverie.
"I have staked out my course, Jean; I must run to the finish of it," he said, suddenly standing up, and giving the impression that he shook himself free from his thoughts as a dog shakes the water from him when he scrambles upon the bank after his swim.
"It may be a good course," said the dwarf, rising from his cross-legged position.
"And if not?"
"Disaster perhaps, but whatever comes I shall always love you."
"Love me, Jean?"
"Why not? Love's a big word, I know, but it is the right one. Trust came when I sent my knife skimming across the stone floor to your feet that night in the South Tower. We've travelled far since then, friend Roger. There has been friendship between us, different though we are, and on your side a little pity perhaps for these twisted limbs of mine. I have gone a step farther. Yes, love is the right word."
"I think it is, Jean," said Herrick, putting his hand on the dwarf's shoulder.