The occasion might be fraught with serious consequences to me too.
"I could not but see that there was over her spirit a sense of loneliness which was habitual to her.

I thought I understood it; I am myself an only child.

I ventured to encourage her to speak to me freely; and was happy enough to succeed.

A sort of confidence became established between us." There was something in the father's face which made me add hurriedly: "Nothing was said by her, sir, as you can well imagine, which was not right and proper.

She only told me in the impulsive way of one longing to give voice to thoughts long carefully concealed, of her yearning to be closer to the father whom she loved; more en rapport with him; more in his confidence; closer within the circle of his sympathies.