It is a sacred promise, which I too am bound to respect--I quite understand that." The Major drew a long breath of relief, and patted me on the shoulder in high approval of what I had said to him.
"Admirably expressed!" he rejoined, recovering his light-hearted looks and his lover-like ways all in a moment.

"My dear lady, you have the gift of sympathy; you see exactly how I am situated.

Do you know, you remind me of my charming Lady Clarinda.

_She_ has the gift of sympathy, and sees exactly how I am situated.

I should so enjoy introducing you to each other," said the Major, plunging his long nose ecstatically into Lady Clarinda's flowers.
I had my end still to gain; and, being (as you will have discovered by this time) the most obstinate of living women, I still kept that end in view.
"I shall be delighted to meet Lady Clarinda," I replied.