I could not come, there was so much to do
with the packing, and reminding him of things. I knew you were waiting
here in the woods, and I cried, and went on packing."
But it is two evenings, I thought to myself. What was she doing the
first evening? And why is there less joy in her eyes now than before?
An hour passed. The bird up in the hills was silent, the woods lay dead.
No, no, nothing wrong; all as before; she gave me her hand to say
good-night, and looked at me with love in her eyes.
"To-morrow?" I said.
"No, not to-morrow," she answered.
I did not ask her why.
"To-morrow is our party," she said with a laugh. "I was only going to
surprise you, but you looked so miserable, I had to tell you at once. I
was going to send you an invitation all on paper."
And my heart was lightened unspeakably.
She went off, nodding farewell.
"One thing more," said I, standing where I was. "How long is it since
you gathered up the pieces of that glass and put them away?"
"Why--a week ago, perhaps, or a fortnight. Yes, perhaps a fortnight.
But why do you ask? Well, I will tell you the truth--it was yesterday."
Yesterday! No longer ago than yesterday she had thought of me. All was
well again now.
XV
The two boats lay ready, and we stepped on board.
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