But the two girls occupied the same room, and when their own door was closed upon them, Bell did allude to what had passed with some spirit.
"Lily, you promised me," she said, "that you would not say anything more to me about Dr Crofts." "I know I did, and I was very wrong.

I beg your pardon, Bell; and I won't do it again,--not if I can help it." "Not help it, Lily!" "But I'm sure I don't know why I shouldn't speak of him,--only not in the way of laughing at you.

Of all the men I ever saw in my life I like him best.

And only that I love you better than I love myself I could find it in my heart to grudge you his--" "Lily, what did you promise just now ?" "Well; after to-night.

And I don't know why you should turn against him." "I have never turned against him or for him." "There's no turning about him.