My dear Mina, why are men so noble to women who don't deserve it? Here I was, almost making fun of this great-hearted, true gentleman. I felt so very bad about it that I burst into tears - I am afraid, my dear, you will think this a very sloppy letter in more ways than one. Why can't they let a girl marry three men, or as many men as want her? That would save all this trouble. But this is heresy, and I must not say it. But though I was crying, I am glad to say that I was able to look Mr. Morris right in his brave eyes. I told him honestly ... 'Yes, there is someone I love, though he has not told me yet that he even loves me.' I was right to speak to him so frankly. His face lit up and he put out both his hands and took mine. Or maybe I put my hands into his. Then he said in a hearty way ...

'That's my brave girl. I would rather be too late to win you than be in time for any other girl in the world. So don't cry, my dear. If you are crying for me, I'm a hard nut to crack, and I can take it. I hope that other fellow knows how lucky he is. If not, he'd better realize it soon, or he'll have to deal with me. Little girl, your honesty and bravery have made me a friend. And a friend is rarer than a lover. My dear, I'm going to have a pretty lonely time for the rest of my life. Won't you give me one kiss? The memory will be something to keep off the darkness now and then. You know, you can kiss me if you like. That other fellow hasn't spoken to you yet, though he must be a good fellow, my dear, a fine fellow, or you could not love him.'

Vocabulary:

Sloppy: Untidy
Heresy: Something against what others believe
Frankly: Honestly and without pretending
Hearty: Strong and cheerful
A hard nut: A tough person
Rarer: Harder to find