that, silenced by the gracious transformation, unexpected, I caught my breath, astonished.

“What is your given name?” she asked, still dimpling at me, and her eyes now but two blue wells of light.

“Euan,” I said, foolish as a flattered schoolboy, and as awkward.

“Euan,” she said, still smiling at me, “I think that I could be your friend — if you do truly wish it. What is it you desire of me? Ask me once more, and make it very clear and plain.”

“Only your confidence; that is all I ask.”

“Oh! Is that all you ask of me?” she mimicked mockingly; but so sweet her smile, and soft her voice, that I did not mind her words.