Lucy Maud Montgomery Short Stories, 1909 to 1922 Part 48

"Three years ago you were a child. I did not think about you. I wanted a wife--and Avery was pretty. I thought I was in love with her. Then you grew up all at once--and we were such good friends--I never could talk to Avery--she wasn't interested in anything I said--and you have eyes that catch a man--I've always thought of your eyes. But I was honour-bound to Avery--I didn't dream you cared. You must marry me next Wednesday, Janet--we'll have a double wedding. You won't mind--being married--so soon?"

"Oh, no--I won't--mind," said Janet dazedly. "Only--oh, Randall--I must tell you--I didn't mean to tell you--I'd have rather died--but now--I must tell you about it now--because I can't bear anything hidden between us. I went to old Granny Thomas--and got a love ointment from her--to make Avery love you, because I knew she didn't--and I wanted you to be happy--Randall, don't--I can't talk when you do that! Do you think Granny's ointment could have made her care for Bruce?"

Randall laughed--the little, low laugh of the triumphant lover.

"If it did, I'm glad of it. But I need no such ointment on my eyes to make me love you--you carry your philtre in that elfin little face of yours, Janet."