Now, I think you had better take the old love for a friend, the new one for a sweetheart, and in due time, if the sentiment is genuine, marry her.' If Mrs Jo had any doubts about the matter, Tom's face would have proved the truth of her opinion; for his eyes shone, his lips smiled, and in spite of dust and sunburn a new expression of happiness quite glorified him as he stood silent for a moment, trying to understand the beautiful miracle which real love works when it comes to a young man's heart.
'The fact is I meant to make Nan jealous, for she knows Dora, and I was sure would hear of our doings.

I was tired of being walked on, and I thought I'd try to break away and not be a bore and a laughing-stock any more,' he said slowly, as if it relieved him to pour out his doubts and woes and hopes and joys to his old friend.

'I was regularly astonished to find it so easy and so pleasant.

I didn't mean to do any harm, but drifted along beautifully, and told Demi to mention things in his letters to Daisy, so Nan might know.

Then I forgot Nan altogether, and saw, heard, felt, cared for no one but Dora, till the donkey--bless his old heart!--pitched her into my arms and I found she loved me.