Sylvia still looked smiling and happy , not a bit mad as we had expected , but just kind of shy and radiant . As for the Old Fellow , he looked , as Em White would say , as Sphinx-like as ever . I 'd defy any man alive to tell from the Old Fellow 's expression what he was thinking about or what he felt like at any time . Then all at once Sylvia said softly , with her eyes cast down , `` I received your letter , Mr. Osborne . '' Any other man in the world would have jumped , or said , `` My letter !!! '' or shown surprise in some way . But the Old Fellow has a nerve . He looked sideways at Sylvia for a moment and then he said kind of drily , `` Ah , did you ? '' `` Yes , '' said Sylvia , not much above a whisper . `` It -- it surprised me very much . I never supposed that you -- you cared for me in that way . '' `` Can you tell me how I could help caring ? '' said the Old Fellow in the strangest way . His voice actually trembled . `` I -- I do n't think I would tell you if I knew , '' said Sylvia , turning her head away . `` You see -- I do n't want you to help caring . '' `` Sylvia ! '' You never saw such a transformation as came over the Old Fellow . His eyes just blazed , but his face went white . He bent forward and took her hand .
`` Sylvia , do you mean XXXXX you -- you actually care a little for me , dearest ?
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