To begin with, something unpleasant may happen again as it did today, but never mind that … I mean, I’d really like to see you again to—to say two words to you. But, mind, don’t think ill of me now, will you? Don’t imagine I’m making appointments with men so easily. I wouldn’t have made it with you, if … But let that be my secret. Only first you must promise.…”

“I promise anything you like!” I cried, delighted. “Only say it. Tell me anything beforehand. I agree to everything. I’ll do anything you like. I can answer for myself. I’ll be obedient, respectful.… You know me, don’t you?”

“Well, it’s because I know you that I’m asking you to come tomorrow,” said the girl, laughing. “I know you awfully well. But, mind, if you come it’s on condition that, first (only you will do what I ask you, won’t you?—You see, I’m speaking frankly to you), don’t fall in love with me. That’s impossible, I assure you. I’m quite ready to be your friend. I am, indeed. But you mustn’t fall in love with me. So please, don’t.”

“I swear to you …” I cried, seizing her hand.

“No, no. I don’t want any solemn promises. I know you’re quite capable of flaring up like gunpowder. Don’t be angry with me for speaking to you like this. If you knew … You see, I haven’t got anyone, either, to whom to say a word, or whom to ask for advice. Of course, it’s silly to expect advice from people one meets in the street, but you are different. I feel I know you so well that I couldn’t have known you better if we’d been friends for twenty years. You won’t fail me, will you?”

“You can depend on me! The only thing is I don’t know how I shall be able to survive for the next twenty-four hours.”

“Have a good sleep. Good night, and remember I’ve already confided in you. But, as you expressed it so well a few minutes ago, one hasn’t really to account for every feeling, even for brotherly sympathy, has one? You put it so nicely that I felt at once that you’re the sort of person I could confide in.”

“For goodness sake, tell me what it is. Please do.”

“No, I think you’d better wait till tomorrow. Let it remain a secret for the time being. So much the better for you: at least from a distance it will seem more like a romance. Perhaps I’ll tell you tomorrow, perhaps I won’t.