I ought to tell you how splendid papa was, never seemed to consider that Rose had only his art, said I had enough from Aunt Willoughby for both, we should live up there among the mountains, and set off at once to make arrangements. Lu has a wonderful tact, too,—seeing at once where her path lay. She is always so well oriented! How full of peace and bliss these two months have been! Last night Lu came in here. She brought back my amber gods, saying she had not intended to keep them, and yet loitering.
"Yone," she said at last, "I want you to tell me if you love him."
Now, as if that were any affair of hers! I looked what I thought.
"Don't be angry," she pleaded. "You and I have been sisters, have we not? and always shall be. I love you very much, dear,—more than you may believe; I only want to know if you will make him happy."
"That's according," said I, with a yawn.
She still stood before me. Her eyes said, "I have a right,—I have a right to know."
"You want me to say how much I love Vaughan Rose?" I asked, finally. "Well, listen, Lu,—so much, that, when he forgets me,—and he will, Lu, one day,—I shall die."
"Prevent his forgetting you, Yone!" she returned. "Make your soul white and clear, like his."
"No! no!" I answered. "He loves me as I am. I will never change."
Then somehow tears began to come. I didn't want to cry; I had to crowd them back behind my fingers and shut lids.