'They—they—imagined something of that kind, I believe.'
'But was it true?'
Nan raised herself up, and took her sister's hand in her two hands.
'You see, dear,' she said, gently, and with her eyes cast down, 'young men—I mean very young men—have often passing fancies that don't mean very much. Later on they make their serious choice.'
'But,' said Madge, persistently, 'but I suppose he never really asked you to be his wife?'
'His wife!' said Nan, with well-simulated surprise. 'Recollect, Madge, I was just over seventeen. You don't promise to be anybody's wife at an age like that; you are only a child then.'
'I am only eighteen,' said Madge.
'But there is a great difference. And recollect that Captain King is now older, and knows better what his wishes are, and what way his happiness lies. You ought to be very proud, Madge; and you should try to make him proud of you also.'
'Oh, I will, Nan; I will really. I wish you would teach me a lot of things.'
'What things?'