Those two occasions were sacred to Olga, never spoken of to any, shrined deep in the most inner, most secret recesses of her heart.

Nick's confidence had ever been her most cherished possession.

It thrilled her now with something more than pride; and through her silence her sympathy came out to him in a flood of understanding which needed no verbal expression.
She spoke at last very softly, almost in a whisper.

"Nick, you know, don't you, that you are dearer to me than anyone else in the world ?" He put up his hand and patted her cheek.

"What! Still ?" he said.
"Still, Nick?
What do you mean ?" "Nothing at all," said Nick promptly.