Well, as it chanced he failed, so why should I think unkindly of him?
Let me rather remember the affection of our childhood and forget the rest.

God rest his soul.
Mary, my sister, who after Lily Bozard was now the fairest maiden in the country side, wept much at my going.

There was but a year between us, and we loved each other dearly, for no such shadow of jealousy had fallen on our affection.

I comforted her as well as I was able, and telling her all that had passed between me and Lily, I prayed her to stand my friend and Lily's, should it ever be in her power to do so.
This Mary promised to do readily enough, and though she did not give the reason, I could see that she thought it possible that she might be able to help us.

As I have said, Lily had a brother, a young man of some promise, who at this time was away at college, and he and my sister Mary had a strong fancy for each other, that might or might not ripen into something closer.