How could I say 'no', Mina? He was brave and sweet, and wasn't it noble too, to speak like that about the other man? And he looked so sad, so I leaned over and kissed him. Then he stood up, holding my two hands in his. He looked down into my face and I am afraid to say that I was blushing very much. He said, 'Little girl, I hold your hand, and you've kissed me. If that doesn't make us friends, then nothing ever will. Thank you for being sweet and honest to me, and goodbye.'

He shook my hand. Then he picked up his hat and went straight out of the room. He did not look back or even slow down and he didn't cry. But now here I am, crying like a baby.

Oh, why must a man like that be made unhappy? There are lots of girls who would be ready to love and admire him. I know that is what I would do if I could, only I can't. My dear, telling you this has upset me. Now I feel I cannot write of happiness just after telling you about something so sad. So I won't tell you about proposal number Three until everything can be all happy.
Ever your loving ... Lucy