It seemed to me the result of prudishness, rather than womanly delicacy, unless you have changed in heart as greatly as in externals.

You could be so much to me as a sister.

It is a relationship that I have always craved--a sister not far removed from me in age; and such a tie, it appears to me, might form the basis of a sympathy and confidence that would be as frank as unselfish and helpful.

That is what I looked forward to in you, Madge.

Why on earth can it not be ?" She was painfully embarrassed, and was glad that his words were spoken under the cover of night.