Do your best, old fellow. If you succeed, I will congratulate you
with an honest heart even thought it be a heavy one. I shall not
detract from you in the slightest degree, or cease to show for you
the thorough liking and respect that I feel. It shall simply be
a maiden's choice between us two; and you know it is said that the
heart makes this choice for reasons inexplicable even to itself."
"Van, you are a noble, generous fellow," said the impulsive Stanton,
grasping his friend's hand. "I must admit that you have been a
fair and considerate rival. Even my jealousy could find no fault."
Then he added, in deep despondency: "But it is of no use. You
have virtually won her already."
"No," said Van Berg, thoughtfully, "I wish you were not mistaken,
but you are. There is something in her manner towards me at times
which I cannot understand; but I have a conviction that I have not
touched her heart."
"She does not avoid you as she does me," said Stanton, moodily.
"No, she accepts my society much too frankly and composedly," answered
Van Berg with a shrug. "I fear that I can join her anywhere and
at any time without quickening her pulse or deepening the color
in her cheeks.
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