Friendship separated them as inexorably as though it had been hate! "And," the girl went on, gaining confidence as she spoke, for argument cleared the air of sentiment, in which she felt as awkward as she was unkind, "and you know there are a good many things you don't like in me; you think I have lots of faults,--you know you do." "I suppose I do, in a way," he acknowledged; "but if I didn't love you so much, Lois, I would not notice them." Lois held her head a little higher, but did not speak.

He watched her twist her fingers nervously together; she had forgotten to take off the little ring of braided grass.
"I am so sorry, Giff," she said, to break the silence,--"oh, so sorry.
I--I can't forgive myself." "There is nothing to forgive," he answered gently; "and you must not distress yourself by thinking that I am unhappy.

I am better, Lois, yes, and happier, because I love you.

It shall be an inspiration to me all my life, even if you should forget all about me.

But I want you to make me one promise, will you ?" She hesitated.