I nodded an assent, and he passed on through the room, whistling to himself “Bonny Doon.”  I embraced the first opportunity to follow him, and found him alone in his studio.  He seated himself beside me, took one hand in his and passed an arm around me.  I wished he could have been my lover then, in fact, I often wished it, for he was as good as he was handsome, both noble hearted and noble looking.  He was to me the embodiment of all that was good and all that went to make the best man in the world.

“Emily,” he began, “you have been a blessed sister to me; I have loved you always, even though I plagued you so much, and you have been faithful to me.  I entrusted to you the first great secret of my life, when I sought you under the apple tree.”

“Why could you not have told me more?” I said.

“For the sole reason it would have been hard for you to have kept it from mother, and I wanted to surprise you all at home.  Your hand, Emily, was the one that held the cup of life to my lips; and Louis,” he added in a tender tone, “with his sympathy and the power of his heart and hand, led me slowly back to strength.  Louis is a grand boy.  Now, Emily,” and he drew me still closer, “I have something else to tell you.”

“Don’t go away, Hal.”

“I desire to stay, but, Emily, I love Mary Snow.  I want to tell you of it.  I cannot speak positively as to what may happen, but I love her very dearly.  Could you be glad to receive her as a sister?”

Selfish thoughts arose at the thought of losing Hal, but I banished them at once, and my heart spoke truly when I said: 

“Mary Snow is good enough for you, Hal.  I have always liked her so much, but how stupid I am, never to have dreamed of this.”

“No?” said he, as if surprised.  “Never dreamed of it?  Do you think it strange that I should tell you, Emily?  I have seen the time when it would seem very silly to me, but I have learned to realize how great is the tie that binds us, and I hope through all the years you and I will never be apart.  I ask of you, too, one promise.  Do not tell even Clara, and if ever you have such a secret, tell me frankly, for we should love each other, and our joys should be mutual.”

I said not a word, but I thought of Louis, and I longed to show him the chain and locket, which I constantly wore, but I could not, and I have wished since that I might have been wiser.  At this moment Mr. Benton entered, and our position did not escape him.

“Truly, Hal,” he said, “you make a capital picture.  Courting, eh?”

“Call it that if you please; we are very near in spirit, thanks to the Father.”

The thought of work came over me, and I left them to help about getting supper.  To be in Hal’s confidence and to feel the trust he reposed in me had made me very happy.  Precious indeed did this seem to me, and if all brothers and sisters were as near, how much of evil would be averted.  Young men might find at home the love and society they need, and less temptation and fewer penalties to pay would be the good result.