And I miss it. Not because I have ever had it," she
added quickly.
He was silent for a little while, then he said very quietly: "You are
offering me a good deal, Nan. Do you realize just how much?
Friendship--such friendship--means more to me now than it ever did
before."
"Does it?" she asked with equal quietness. "I'm glad of that."
"Because," he went on gravely, "I realize that it is the only thing I
can ever have, and it must take the place of all I once--hoped for."
"Oh, why do you say that?" she cried impetuously.
"Since you are to be my friend now--my special friend--I can tell you
what Doctor McDonough told me just two days ago. May I tell you that? I
have told and shall tell no one else. Before you take the vows"--he
smiled grimly--"you should know what you are accepting."
"Tell me."
"He said I might be better--much better--but I could never hope to
be--my old self again."
"Oh, Jerry! Oh, Jerry!" Her voice was almost a sob. She turned about and
reached up both hands to him, clasping his with a warm and tender
pressure.
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