In spite of our strange relationship, we are still like brother and sister.

You know how quickly I guessed Charlie's secret: surely you can speak to me, who am her friend, of your affection for Gladys.' I saw him shrink a little at that, and his honest brown eyes were full of pain.
'My affection for Gladys,' he repeated, in a low voice.

'You are very frank, Ursula; but somehow I do not seem to mind it.

I never care for Miss Darrell to speak to me on the subject, although she has been so kind; in fact, no one could have been kinder.

We can only act up to our own natures: it is certainly not her fault, but only my misfortune, that her sympathy jars on me.' Max's words gave me acute pain.
'Surely you have not chosen Miss Darrell for your _confidante_, Max ?' 'I have chosen no one,' he returned, with gentle rebuke at my vehemence.
'Circumstances made Miss Darrell acquainted with my unlucky attachment.
She did all she could to help me, and out of common gratitude I could not refuse to listen to her well-meant efforts to comfort me.' I remained silent from sheer dismay.