"She heard me out without a murmur, which showed her sense; for liking
the girl sincerely, I didn't mince matters with her, but spoke plainly
for her good. The result was, she told me her story much as I have told
it to you.

"'It's a funny tale,' says I when she'd finished, 'though maybe you
yourself don't see the humour of it.'

"'Yes, I do,' was her answer. 'But there's a serious side to it also,'
says she, 'and that interests me more.'

"'You're sure you're not making a mistake?' I suggested.

"'He's been in my thoughts too much for me to forget him,' she replied.
'Besides, he's told me his name and all about himself.'

"'Not quite all,' says I.

"'No, and that's why I feel hard toward him,' answers she.

"'Now you listen to me,' says I. 'This is a very pretty comedy, and the
way you've played it does you credit up till now. Don't you run it on
too long, and turn it into a problem play.'

"'How d'ye mean?' says she.

"'A man's a man,' says I; 'anyhow he's one. He fell in love with you six
years ago when you were only a child, and now you're a woman he's fallen
in love with you again. If that don't convince you of his constancy,
nothing will. You stop there. Don't you try to find out any more.'