"I know you are no friend of mine," he added.
"On the contrary," I answered. "I hope I am the best friend you have just now."
"I know what that means," he said. "You have tried to dissuade Ideala, and having failed, you have come here to use your influence with me"
"No," I answered. "I have not come to discuss the subject. I have brought you a letter from Ideala at her special request, and I am ready to take her any reply which you may think fit to send."
I gave him the letter, and rose to go, but he detained me.
"Stay till I have read it, if you can spare me the time," he said. "It is just possible that there is something in it which we ought to discuss."
I turned to the mantelpiece, and tried to interest myself in the lovely things with which it was crowded; but never in my life did my heart sink so for another; never have I endured such moments of pained suspense.
I heard him open the envelope; I heard the paper rustle as he turned the page; and then there was silence—
Full of the city's stilly sound—
a moment only, but filled with