proof of confidence. Besides," he went on, after a second's pause,
"I am a man; you are a woman. Under those circumstances, what
would otherwise be egotism becomes common and mutual. When two
people sympathize with one another, all they can say about
themselves loses its personal tinge and merges into pure human and
abstract interest."

Herminia brought back her eyes from infinity to his face. "That's
true," she said frankly. "The magic link of sex that severs and
unites us makes all the difference. And, indeed, I confess I
wouldn't so have spoken of my inmost feelings to another woman."






III.





From that day forth, Alan and Herminia met frequently. Alan was
given to sketching, and he sketched a great deal in his idle times
on the common. He translated the cottages from real estate into
poetry. On such occasions, Herminia's walks often led her in the
same direction. For Herminia was frank; she liked the young man,
and, the truth having made her free, she knew no reason why she
should avoid or pretend to avoid his company. She had no fear of