part," he said, from that safe distance, "I'd like to tell you all of
it, if I may."

As he talked her fingers were busy with her knitting, but there came
moments when she laid it down and looked up at him with eyes that
mirrored his own earnestness.

"It--it hasn't been easy," he said in conclusion, "but--but if you will
be my friend, nothing will be hard."

She tried to speak--was shaken as if by a strong wind, and her knitting
went up as a shield.

"My dear, you are crying," he said, and was on his knees beside her.

And now they were caught in the tide of that mighty wave which was
sweeping the world!

When at last she steadied herself, he was again anchored to the
rose-colored tassel.

"You--you must forgive me--but--it has been so good to talk it out--to
some one--who cared. I had never dreamed until that night in the Toy
Shop of anybody--like you. Of anybody so--adorable. When your note
came this morning, I couldn't believe it. But now I know it is true.
And that night of Cinderella you were so--heavenly."

It was a good thing that Miss Emily came in at that moment--for his
eloquence was a burning flood, and Jean was swept up and on with it.