Of course what I say is sacred between us.

Mr.Arnault offered himself long since, and I promptly declined the honor, but he laughingly told me he would take no refusal, and chatted through the rest of the evening as pleasantly as if nothing had happened.

I have virtually refused him several times since, but he persists, declaring that he will remain an agreeable friend until I change my mind.

Surely, I am not misleading him.

I do like him as a friend, and he knows that I have for him no other regard, and never had.