“You have already reached the goal. You are everything that is good and refined, proud and lovely. I say it, and one day a younger, better, and stronger man will say the same—and you will be happy to listen. Are you not a little pleased to hear me say that you are the best and sweetest and most wonderful little girl in the world?—look at me, Jenny. Can I not give you a little pleasure by saying that I believe you will have all possible happiness because you deserve it?” She looked down into his face, trying to smile; then, bending her head, she passed her hands over his hair: “Oh, Gert, I could not help it—could I? I did not want to do you any harm.” “Do not grieve about it, little one! I love you because you are what you want to be—what I once hoped to be. You must not be sad for my sake, even if you think you have caused me pain; there are sorrows that are good, full of blessing, I assure you.” She went on crying softly. Presently he whispered: “May I come and see you now and again? Will you not send for me when you are sad? I should so like to try and be of some help to my dear little girl.” “I dare not, Gert.” “Dear child, I am an old man; remember, I might be your father.” “For—for your sake, I mean. It is not right.” “Oh yes, Jenny. Do you believe that I think less about you when I don’t see you? I ask only to see you, talk to you, to try and do something for you. Won’t you let me? Do let me come.” “I don’t know—I don’t know what to say, but please go now. I cannot bear any more today—it is all so terrible. Won’t you go, dear?” He rose slowly: “I will. Good-bye! Jenny, dear child, you are quite beside yourself.” “Yes”—in a whisper. “I will go now, but I want to see you before you go away. I shall come back when you are yourself again and not frightened of me; there is no reason for that, dear.” She was quiet for a little, then suddenly drew him close to her for a second, brushing his cheek with her lips. “Go now, Gert.” “Thank you. God bless you, Jenny.” * * * * * When he was gone she paced up and down the floor, shivering without knowing why. In her heart she felt a certain pleasure in remembering his words when he was on his knees before her. She had always looked upon Gert as a weak man, as one who had suffered himself to be dragged down and been trodden upon as those who are down always will be. And now he had suddenly revealed himself to her as possessing a great fortitude of soul, and a being rich enough and willing to help, while she was bewildered, distracted, and sick with longing in her inmost heart behind the shield of opinions and thoughts which she had made for herself.