The French are in position, but never adventure a movement; and except some few affairs at the pickets, there is really nothing to do." "No matter, remaining here can never serve one's interests, and besides, I have accomplished what I came for--" I was about to add, "the restoration of my health," when he suddenly interrupted me, eying me fixedly as he spoke.
"Indeed! indeed! Is that so ?" "Yes," said I, half puzzled at the tone and manner of the speech; "I can join now when I please; meanwhile, Fred, I have been thinking of you.

Yes, don't be surprised, at the very moment we met you were in my thoughts." I took his arm as I said this, and led him down the alley.
"We are too old and, I trust, too true friends, Fred, to have secrets from each other, and yet we have been playing this silly game for some weeks past.

Now, my dear fellow, I have yours, and it is only fair justice you should have mine, and, faith, I feel you'd have discovered it long since, had your thoughts been as free as I have known them to be.

Fred, you are in love; there, don't wince, man, I know it; but hear me out.

You believe me to be so also; nay, more, you think that my chances of success are better, stronger than your own; learn, then, that I have none,--absolutely none.
Don't interrupt me now, for this avowal cuts me deeply; my own heart alone knows what I suffer as I record my wrecked fortunes; but I repeat it, my hopes are at end forever; but, Fred, my boy, I cannot lose my friend too.
If I have been the obstacle to your path, I am so no more.