Really, it's the first friend I've ever had.

I've often felt the need of some such companionship." "I'm nobody ?" she said, with a laugh, the first today.
Julian's face registered very perfectly the many subtle phases of thought and emotion which succeeded each other in his mind.

This last remark distressed him for a moment; he could not bear to hurt another's feelings.
"Of course I meant male friend," he said quickly.

"You are my sister." "No, I'm not," was the reply; and, as she spoke, Harriet glanced sideways at him in a particularly unpleasant manner.

She herself meant it to be pleasant.
"Oh yes, you are, Harriet," he insisted good-humouredly.