"I hope I was answered, Yorke?
"'I seem to be a blind, besotted sort of person,' was my remark.
"'_Loved_ you!' she cried. 'Why, I have been as frank with you as a sister--never shunned you, never feared you. You cannot,' she affirmed triumphantly--'you cannot make me tremble with your coming, nor accelerate my pulse by your influence.'
"I alleged that often, when she spoke to me, she blushed, and that the sound of my name moved her.
"'Not for _your_ sake!' she declared briefly. I urged explanation, but could get none.

"I hope I was answered, Yorke?
"'I seem to be blind and besotted,' was my remark.
"'Loved you!' she cried. 'Why, I have been as frank with you as a sister - never shunned you, never feared you. Your presence cannot make me tremble, nor quicken my pulse.'
"I alleged that the sound of my name moved her; it made her blush.
"'Not for your sake!' she declared briefly. I urged explanation, but could get none.
