In the first place I am as civil to them as my nature will allow me to be.

And, in the second place--" "Well; in the second place-- ?" "I am not quite sure that you are very wise to encourage that young man's friendship just at present." "That means, I suppose, that I am very wrong to do so ?" "No, dearest, it does not mean that.

If I meant so I would tell you so honestly.

I mean just what I say.

There can, I suppose, be no doubt that he has filled himself with some kind of romantic attachment for you,--a foolish kind of love which I don't suppose he ever expected to gratify, but the idea of which lends a sort of grace to his life.