“Call me what you will,” he said. “I hope I may always have the title of a friend. And let me say that I am at a loss for words to thank you for your goodness to my poor dear.” He paused a moment, and went on: “I know that she understood your goodness even better than I do; and if I was rude or in any way wanting at that time you acted so⁠—you remember”⁠—the Professor nodded⁠—“you must forgive me.”

He answered with a grave kindness:⁠—