I cannot afford to quarrel with you." "Of course I was not in earnest as to that." "You and I must never quarrel, Bell; at least, I hope not.

I could bear to quarrel with any one rather than with you." And then, as he spoke, there was something in his voice which gave the girl some slight, indistinct warning of what might be his intention.

Not that she said to herself at once, that he was going to make her an offer of his hand,--now, on the spot; but she felt that he intended something beyond the tenderness of ordinary cousinly affection.
"I hope we shall never quarrel," she said.

But as she spoke, her mind was settling itself,--forming its resolution, and coming to a conclusion as to the sort of love which Bernard might, perhaps, expect.

And it formed another conclusion; as to the sort of love which might be given in return.
"Bell," he said, "you and I have always been dear friends." "Yes; always." "Why should we not be something more than friends ?" To give Captain Dale his due I must declare that his voice was perfectly natural as he asked this question, and that he showed no signs of nervousness, either in his face or limbs.