`` You said you would . '' Reeves nerved himself for his very distasteful task . `` Perhaps , '' he said , with an attempt at carelessness , `` but if I do so , I shall not come alone . Somebody who is very dear to me will come with me -- as my wife . I have never told you about her , Helen , but you and I are such good friends that I do not mind doing so now . I am engaged to a very sweet girl , and we expect to be married next spring . '' There was a brief silence . Reeves had been vaguely afraid of a scene and was immensely relieved to find his fear unrealized . Helen sat very still . He could not see her face . Did she care , after all ? Was he mistaken ? When she spoke her voice was perfectly calm . `` Thank you , it is very kind of you to tell me about her . I suppose she is very beautiful . '' `` Yes , here is her picture . You can judge for yourself . '' Helen took the portrait from his hand and looked at it steadily . It was a miniature painted on ivory , and the face looking out from it was certainly lovely . `` It is no wonder you love her , '' said the girl in a low tone as she handed it back .
`` It must be strange to be so beautiful XXXXX that . ''
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