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 her and her head drooped in his simplicity of frankness, to his breast while he whispered:

"Heart of Mine, I love you—I love you—I love you and always will. That is the friendship I want. I always have since first I saw you and I always will. It is not friendship I want—I want love—I want you. I want you as I have wanted nothing else in life." His voice trembled with deep emotion which overmastered him.

Lida remained motionless for a few moments filled with happiness and the consciousness that her love was returned while tears filled her eyes. Suddenly she said:

"Mr. Bennet, I am a simple girl. I have not been long out in the world. I don't know the ways of the world. What I said I mean. I have been told that men talk lightly and seldom mean what they say when they talk of love. Your words make me supremely happy for my heart has been yours. Please don't deceive me. I love you as only an honest true-hearted girl can love and I trust you. I hope my trust is not vain." This was said so earnestly and honestly Bennet was breathlessly pained. "I suppose it is brazen to be telling you this so frankly but I was brought up to be truthful and natural. You asked for my friendship. It is yours—my heart is yours—I trust you. If you deceive me I shall die. I know so little of the world and its ways. If you don't really love me, please don't deceive me. Take back your words and though I'll never forget them and will love you for them, I'll forgive you and we'll part friends."

As she concluded she looked up at Bennet's face which