"Shirley, I never had a sister--you never had a sister; but it flashes on me at this moment how sisters feel towards each other--affection twined with their life, which no shocks of feeling can uproot, which little quarrels only trample an instant, that it may spring more freshly when the pressure is removed; affection that no passion can ultimately outrival, with which even love itself cannot do more than compete in force and truth. Love hurts us so, Shirley. It is so tormenting, so racking, and it burns away our strength with its flame. In affection is no pain and no fire, only sustenance and balm. I am supported and soothed when you--that is, _you only_--are near, Shirley. Do you believe me now?"
"I am always easy of belief when the creed pleases me. We really are friends, then, Lina, in spite of the black eclipse?"
"We really are," returned the other, drawing Shirley towards her, and making her sit down, "chance what may."

"Shirley, I never had a sister; but it flashes on me how sisters feel towards each other - affection which no shocks can uproot, which little quarrels only trample for an instant; affection that no passion can outrival, with which even love itself cannot do more than compete. Love hurts us so, Shirley. It is so tormenting, so racking, and it burns away our strength with its flame. Affection brings no pain and fire, only sustenance and balm. I am supported and soothed when you are near, Shirley. Do you believe me now?"
"We really are friends, then, Lina?"
"We really are," returned the other, drawing Shirley towards her, and making her sit down, "chance what may."
