"I know that.

But how am I to make sure of myself ?" "There is only one way," Folco answered.

"I know it is not easy, and if I were not sure that you are perfectly sincere I should be afraid to propose it to you." "What is it?
Tell me.

You are the only friend I have in the world, Folco, and I want to do what is right.

God knows, I am in earnest! There are moments when I cannot imagine living without Regina--it seemed hard to leave her this morning, even for these few hours, and I long to be back at Pontresina already! Yet you know how fond I am of you, and how I like to be with you, for we have always been more like brothers than anything else." "Indeed we have!" Folco assented fervently.