A quiet love, a lasting trust, deep pride and pleasure"-- At her gesture he broke off, sat in silence for a moment, then rising went to the window, and with slightly contracted brows stood looking out at the sunshine that was slipping away.

Presently he was aware that she stood beside him.
She was holding out her hand.

"It is that of a friend," she said.

"No, do not kiss it, for that is the act of a lover.

And you are not my lover,--oh, not yet, not yet!" A soft, exquisite blush stole over her face and neck, but she did not lower her lovely candid eyes.