Falkner, promise me that you will never speak
to a living soul about this evening."
Dick looked her straight in the eyes. "I am a gentleman, Miss
Goodrich," was all he said.
Then as they reached the steps of the house, she held out her hand.
"I thank you for your kindness--and please don't think of me too
harshly. I know I am not just the girl I was a year ago, but I--do you
remember our talk at the printing office?"
"Every word," said Dick.
"Well, has my prophecy come true?"
"About my preaching? No; not yet."
"Oh, I don't mean that," with a shrug of her shoulders. "I mean about
the other. Do you still value my friendship?"
Dick hesitated. "The truth, please," she said. "I want to know."
"Miss Goodrich, I cannot make you understand; you know my whole life
has changed the last year."
"Yes."
"But my feelings toward you can never change. I do value your
friendship, for I know that your present life does not satisfy you,
and that you are untrue to your best self in living it."
The girl drew herself up haughtily. "Indeed, you are fast becoming a
very proficient preacher," she said, coldly.
"Wait a moment, please," interrupted Dick. "You urged me to tell the
truth. I desire your friendship, because I know the beautiful life you
could live, and because you--you--could help me to live it," his voice
broke.
Amy held out her hand again. "Forgive me please," she said. "You are
a true friend, and I shall never, never, forget you.
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