Page 133 - The snake's pass

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CONFIDENCES. — —
Andy grinned, ducked his head, and made his exit
into the house as though propelled or drawn by some
unseen agency. When I remarked this to Dick he re-
plied, " Some spirit draws him, I dare say."
Dick had not said a word beyond advising me not
to lose my temper. He did not appear to take any notice
of my lecture to Andy, and puffed unconcernedly at his
cigar till the driver had disappeared. He then took
me by the arm and said :
"Let us stroll a bit up the road." Arm in arm we
passed out of the town and into the silence of the
common. The moon was rising, and there was a soft,
tender light over everything. Presently, without looking
at me, Dick said :
" Art, I don't want to be inquistive or to press for
any confidences, but you and I are too old friends not to
be interested in what concerns each other. What did
Andy mean? Is there any girl in question?"
I was glad to have a friend to whom to open my
mind, and without further thought I answered:
"
" There is, Dick
!
Dick grasped my arm and looked keenly into my face,
and then said
" Art ! Answer me one question—answer me truly, old
fellow, by all you hold dear—answer me on your honour!"
"I shall, Dick! What is it?"
" Is it Norah Joyce ? " I had felt some vague alarm
from the seriousness of his manner, but his question put
me at ease again, and, with a high heart, I answered :