"
"Let me say it for you, little girl. Is it this? Is it that you
like me as a friend, and a comrade--chum, but you don't love me as
I love you, and you're afraid it will hurt me to know it?"
"Yes, yes, that's it! How did you know?"
"You told me yourself, unconsciously. Now, listen, my girl. I only
love you MORE for being brave and honest about it. And I love you
more still for your dear, kind heart that can't bear to hurt
anybody. And to prove that love, I'm not going to say any more to
you on this subject,--at least, not now. Forget what I have said;
let us go back to our good comradeship. I startled you; I spoke
too soon, I know. So forget it, my apple blossom, and remember
only that Little Billee is your friend, who would do anything in
the world for you."
"You're an awfully nice man," said Patty, not coyly, but
sincerely, as she laid her hand on his arm a moment.
"Now you HAVE told me what you think of me!" cried Farnsworth,
gaily, and taking the little hand he held it lightly clasped in
his own. "And I thank you, lady, for those kind words! Now, you
can look at the moon just a minute longer, and then you must fly,
little bird, to your nest in the tree."
"Yes, I must go.
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