"Never was I so sorely tempted in all my life as I am now to lie to you, and say there is nothing, and take you in my arms and try to awaken you to what I mean by love.

But suppose I do----and fail! Then comes the agony of slow endurance for me, and the possibility that any day you may meet the man who can arouse in you the feelings I cannot.

That would mean my oath broken, and my heart as well; while soon you would dislike me beyond tolerance, even.

I dare not risk it! The matter is, that was the loving caress of a ten-year-old girl to a big brother she admired.

That's all! Not much, but a mighty big defect when it is offered a strong man as fuel on which to feed consuming passion." "Consuming passion," repeated the Girl.