I don't know how to tell you, exactly; you will think it's none of my business." "Is there anything wrong at the rectory ?" Helen asked, putting down her work, and drawing a quick breath.
"Oh, no, no, of course not," answered Gifford, "nothing like that.

The fact is, Helen--the fact is--well, plainly, aunt Ruth thinks that that young Forsythe is in love with Lois." Gifford's manner, as he spoke, told Helen what she had only surmised before, and she was betrayed into an involuntary expression of sympathy.
"Oh," cried the young man, with an impatient gesture and a sudden flush tingling across his face, "you misunderstand me.

I haven't come to whine about myself, or anything like that.

I'm not jealous; for Heaven's sake, don't think I am such a cur as to be jealous! If that man was worthy of Lois, I--why, I'd be the first one to rejoice that she was happy.

I want Lois to be happy, from my soul! I hope you believe me, Helen ?" "I believe anything you tell me," she answered gently, "but I don't quite understand how you feel about Mr.Forsythe; every one speaks so highly of him.