and when I passed you in the dark — I thought — — ”

“My heart was full that night! What comrade could feel less and still possess a human heart?” she said almost sullenly.

“Your letter — and mine — encouraged me to believe — — ”

“I know,” she said, with the curt and almost breathless impatience of haste, “but have I ever denied our bond of intimacy, Euan? Closer bond have I with no man. But it must be a comrade’s bond between us� . I meant to make that plain to you — and doubtless, my heart being full — and I but a girl — conveyed to you — by what I said — and did — — ”