She trembled, for his question probed deep.
How could she explain that what was so natural for him was impossible for her?
He mistook her hesitation for a sign of acquiescence, and continued: "Wherein have I failed to act like a brother?
During the years we were together was I not reasonably kind and considerate?
You did not think of yourself then as one of my young lady friends.
Why should you now?
I have not changed, and, as I have said, I have returned hungry for kindred and the quieter pleasures of home.

It is time that I was considering the more serious questions of life, and of course the supreme question with a man of my years is that of a home of his own.

I have never been able to think of such a home and not associate you with it.

I can invite my sister to it and make her a part of it, but I cannot invite young lady friends.

A sister can be such a help to a fellow; and it seems to me that I could be of no little aid to you.