He paid her a compliment, instead of giving her an answer.
"My mother can't look higher than you," he said.

"I wish I could feel sure, Carmina--in leaving you with her--that I am leaving you with a friend whom you trust and love." There was a sadness in his tone that grieved her.

"Wait till you come back," she replied, speaking as gaily as she could.

"You will be ashamed to remember your own misgivings.

And don't forget, dear, that I have another friend besides your mother--the best and kindest of friends--to take care of me." Ovid heard this with some surprise.