"Heart of a man," she answered. "What have I done to deserve you? How can you be so patient with me? ... You, a man already grown, distinguished, ripe with wisdom.... I don't know why you should annoy yourself with me.... It is too wonderful—why you should be my friend—my friend——"
"There is something far more wonderful, Philippa—that you should be my friend. Didn't you know it?"
She laughed.
"I wonder if you know what I would do for you? There is nothing you could ask of me that I would not do——"
She ceased, her voice threatening unsteadiness, but her eyes were clear and she was smiling.
"Words are idle things," she added calmly, "and not necessary, I think, between you and me.... Only, sometimes I feel—a need of telling you—of my devotion.... There have been lonely years—friendless—and a heart sickens under eternal silence—needing an opportunity for self-expression——"
"I know, dear."
"I know you do.... You are very kind to me."
"Philippa, I care more for you than I do for any living person!"
The lovely surprise in her face flushed her to her hair. She looked at him out of confused, incredulous eyes, strove to smile, caught her trembling lip between her teeth.