Will you ?" After a moment she said: "What was it that you said about my--beauty ?" "I take my chances that it do me no deep damage." "Oh! Am I to take my chance, too ?" "What chance ?" "That--your kindness do me--no damage ?" "What senseless talk is this you utter ?" She shook her head slowly, then: "What a strange boy! I do not fear you." "Fear me ?" I repeated, flushing hotly.

"What is there to fear?
I am neither yokel nor beast." "They say a gentleman should be more dreaded." I stared at her, then laughed: "Ask yourself how far you need have dread of me--when, if you desire it, you can leave me dumb, dismayed, lip-bound by your mocking tongue--which God knows well I fear." "Is my tongue so bitter then?
I did not know it." "I know it," said I with angry emphasis.

"And I tell you very freely that----" She stole a curious glance at me.

Something halted me--an expression I had never yet seen there in her face, twitching at her lips--hovering on them now--parting them in a smile so sweet and winning that, silenced by the gracious transformation, unexpected, I caught my breath, astonished.
"What is your given name ?" she asked, still dimpling at me, and her eyes now but two blue wells of light.
"Euan," I said, foolish as a flattered schoolboy, and as awkward.
"Euan," she said, still smiling at me, "I think that I could be your friend--if you do truly wish it.

What is it you desire of me?
Ask me once more, and make it very clear and plain." "Only your confidence; that is all I ask." "Oh! Is that all you ask of me ?" she mimicked mockingly; but so sweet her smile, and soft her voice, that I did not mind her words.
"Remember," said I, "that I am older than you.