“You know it has come true.”

“Do I?”

“Do you not know it, little Lois?”

“I seem to know it, somehow� . Tell me, Euan, does a true and deathless friendship with a man — with you — mean that I am to strip my heart of every secret, hiding nothing from you?”

“Dare you do it, Lois?” I said laughingly, yet thrilled with the candour of her words.

“I could not let you think me better than I am. That would be stealing friendship from you. But if you give it when you really know me — that will be dear and wonderful — — ” She drew a swift breath and smiled.