"Nicie, I say from the bottom of my heart, that I knew you were too noble to have any doubt of me, in that way."
"I should hope so;" she said, as she dropped her eyes, for fear of showing all that was in them. "You have done me justice, and it will be done to you. I was only afraid, though I knew better, that you might—for men are not like us——"
"No, they are not. And more shame for them. Oh Nicie, what do I care now, if the whole world goes against me?"
She gave him one steadfast look, as if that recklessness had no shock for her, and in fact had been duly expected. Then knowing by the eyes what had been nursing in her heart for months, she smiled the smile that is deeper almost in the human kind than tears, and happily more lasting. The young man proved himself worthy of her, by cherishing it, without a word.
"I may never see you again," said Nicie, coming back to proper form, though they both knew that was humbug; "never again, or not for years. It will be impossible for you now to come—to come, as you used to do. But remember, if it is any comfort to you, and I think it will be a little, that no one is more miserable about this wicked, wicked charge, than the one who has more right than any—yes much more than she has"—and she waved her hand after her mother's steps.
"Yes. Or at any rate quite as much. Darling, darling Nicie dear. Don't get excited again, for my sake."
"I am not excited. And I don't mean to be. But you are welcome to tell everybody, everybody, Jemmy, exactly what I think of you. And my dear father thought the same."
"You are an angel, and nothing less. Something considerably more, I think," said Jemmy, confining himself to moderation.
"Hush!" she replied, though not in anger; for ladies like that comparison. And then, as he could not better it, he whispered, "God bless you, dear, as you have blessed me!" Before she could answer, he was gone.