I noticed the other girls began to act mysterious and giggle when I was round,
but Mary didn't seem aware of it.

We got very chummy. Mary wasn't comfortable at Haviland.
Old Black was very fond of her and always took her part,
but she wanted to be independent. She had a great idea of going to Sydney
and getting into the hospital as a nurse. She had friends in Sydney,
but she had no money. There was a little money coming to her
when she was twenty-one -- a few pounds -- and she was going to try and get it
before that time.

`Look here, Miss Brand,' I said, after we'd watched the moon rise.
`I'll lend you the money. I've got plenty -- more than I know
what to do with.'

But I saw I'd hurt her. She sat up very straight for a while,
looking before her; then she said it was time to go in,
and said `Good-night, Mr Wilson.'

I reckoned I'd done it that time; but Mary told me afterwards
that she was only hurt because it struck her that what she said about money
might have been taken for a hint. She didn't understand me yet,
and I didn't know human nature. I didn't say anything to Jack --
in fact about this time I left off telling him about things.
He didn't seem hurt; he worked hard and seemed happy.

I really meant what I said to Mary about the money. It was pure good nature.
I'd be a happier man now, I think, and richer man perhaps,
if I'd never grown any more selfish than I was that night
on the wood-heap with Mary. I felt a great sympathy for her --