``And,'' I urged desperately, ``you
were not affected in the least?''

Very coldly she answered, ``Not in
the least;'' and then fearlessly, like a
princess in the Palace of Truth: ``If
ever a man comes who can awaken my
heart, frankly and honestly I will
confess it.''

``Perhaps such a one lives,'' I said,

but has yet to reach the height to win
you--your--''

``Speak it,'' she said, ``to win my
love!''

``Yes,'' I cried, startled at her
candor, ``to win your love.'' Hope slowly
rekindled within my breast, and then
with half-closed eyes, and wooingly, she
said:

``No drooping Clytie could be more
constant than I to him who strikes the
chord that is responsive in my soul.''

Her emotion must have surprised her,
but immediately she regained her placidity