"I received a letter from Miss Pearson to-day begging me to use my influence with Anne, in favor of a marriage with that Lord Howard, who has asked her so often. There is no longer any thought of M. Portal. In England questions concerning fortune, position and family connections are of the greatest importance. Miss Pearson enumerated to me the advantages of such a union, which would place our friend in her proper rank. She appealed with authority to the confidence Mlle. de Sézery had in me. "A curious mission which has upset me! However, I went to see Anne at my usual time, and without comment, gave her the letter. I still see the flame which flashed from her eyes. "'Miss Pearson,' she said angrily to me, 'is hateful. She had no right to--Why did she keep me from going to India?' "'You wanted to go?' "'Yes, last month.' "'Without telling me? Why?' "'I do as I please.' "This cruel suppression of our friendship offended me. I rose to leave. "'So you will be able to decide without me.' "She hastened to detain me. I have never seen her so overwrought, so pale. Her long golden eyes were veiled. I am powerless before their sorrowful expression. "'No, no,' she said. 'You will choose for me.' "Conciliated by her agitation, I made a gesture of despair. "'Oh! I ...' "'Speak!' "'How could I live without you?' "And the fire instantly reappeared in her glance and lit up her face, which, in its changing expression, revealed her thoughts. I could not fail to notice it. "'Never mention this marriage to me again,' she said. "I had recovered possession of myself and pleaded another cause. "'It is not a question of myself, Anne. This marriage would give you, if not the joy of youth, at least peace and that distraction which one readily finds in a circle suitable to one's tastes and personal value.' "'You no longer love me?' "'There was no question of my love,' I said. "'You would give it up? I am no longer capable of a sacrifice. Life has demanded top many of me.' "'From you?' "'You did not understand? For ten years...." "She was quite close to me. I had only to hold out my arms for her to come and rest against my heart, with her head on my shoulder. "'_Anne_--' "'Let us say no more. I am so ashamed of myself--' "I felt her all a-quiver. How long did we remain so? Those wonderful moments had a greater weight--the weight of years. The April evening was prolonging its light, its invitation of Spring. Our love made us tremble together. When she gained control of herself she lifted her bowed head and smiled like a young, cajoling girl: "'You did not bring the mistletoe?' "I touched her burning cheek. I wished to touch her lips, to possess that which had betrayed her secret. She did not permit me. With a quick movement she tore herself away from me. "'No, no,' she murmured, frightened, 'our love must suffice.' "'It is my first kiss.' "Surprised, I repeated. 'The first?' "She blushed delightfully.