But I rarely meet you there, though by blood you are so nearly allied to her father.

I am her friend--at my age that might easily mean her lover.

But in our case the comparison would not suit.

Yet perhaps you will believe me, for you have the right to call yourself the friend of the most bewitching of women." A sorrowful smile flitted over the grave, set features of the older man, who, raising his hand as if in protest, answered carelessly: "I grew up with Cleopatra, but a private citizen loves a queen only as a divinity.
I believe in your friendship for Barine, though I deem it dangerous." "If you mean that it might injure the lovely woman," replied Dion, raising his head more proudly as if to intimate that he required no warning, even from him, "perhaps you are right.

Only I beg you not to misunderstand me.