“Do you mean to tell me,” the sister said at last, “that you keep house together on this romantically Platonic basis?”
The sister was a woman of the world. When she had entered the room and perceived the unmistakable signs of a man’s general presence, she had drawn her own conclusions.
That these were erroneous, Yvonne’s innocent candour most clearly proved. Yet she was astonished, perhaps a little disappointed. The offending Eve lingers in many women, even after much self-whipping--for the greater comfort of their lives.
“But how can a man look at you and not fall in love with you?” she asked downright.
Yvonne laughed, and ran to the kettle that was boiling over on the gas-stove--she was making tea for her visitor.
“Oh, you can’t think of the number of people who have said those same words to me! Why, that is why I am so happy with Stephen--he has never dreamed of making love to me; never once--really. And, do you know, he’s the only man I ’ve ever had much to do with who has n’t.”
“He looks like a man who has seen a great deal of trouble,” said the sister.
Yvonne’s laugh faded, and a great seriousness came into her eyes.
“Awful trouble,” she said in a very low and earnest voice.
“Perhaps that makes him different from other men,” said the sister, taking her hand and smoothing it.
It was a new light, quick and clear, flashed upon their relations. Her woman’s instinct clamoured for confirmation.
“Do you think that if he had not this great trouble, he would necessarily have fallen in love with me, like the others?”
“It stands to reason,” replied the elder woman gently--“if he’s a man at all. And he is a man--one, too, that many women could love and be proud of.”
“Oh, thank you for saying that!” cried Yvonne, impulsively. “I am proud of him.” An imperceptible smile played over the sister’s plain, pleasant face. Her calling had brought her a certain knowledge of human nature, and taught her to judge by suppressions. This side-light on the inner lives of the two beings whose fortunes had long ago interested her, quickened her sympathies for them. She determined to keep them in view for the future--and with this intention she offered Yvonne opportunities for continuing the friendship.