She, without raising her eyes from the ground, murmured,
"You were very kind."
She did not in saying this mean he had displayed kindness in his past action, but that he was displaying kindness to her now.
He understood her, and went on:
"I shall have to go back to Egypt immediately, and I cannot possibly return to England for some months. I shall be here again as soon as I can. Before I go away I want to establish a great friendship with you. I want you to make up your mind to disregard anything you have ever heard to my disadvantage, and look upon me as the head of the family of two, and your best and truest friend. I want you to promise me that at once, to-day—before I leave you—now."
His manner was very fervid and intense as he came towards the end. At the word "now" he ceased to walk.
She looked up. What a change had taken place in that placid, grave, sad face of a few moments before! The dark eyes were full of fire, the delicate nostrils moved, and the swarthy cheek was flushed. He rose up over her, tall and broad and fierce and strong. She trembled, but could not take her eyes from his. She had never met any man like this before. He fixed her attention upon him and upon his words beyond the power of her control. She was frightened and surprised.
"What am I to do?" she asked fearfully.
"You are always to look on your cousin William Midharst as your best friend. Will you promise me that here and now?"
"Yes."