they bloom, they are mine, I take possession." After a moment she
added: "They bring back the recollection of such happy times--
springs long ago. Some time I'll tell you."

"When you were a little girl?"

"Yes."

"I wish I had known you when you were a little girl," said David,
in an undertone, looking into the fire.

Gabriella reflected how impossible this would have been: the
thought caused her sharp pain.

Some time later, David, who had appeared more and more involved in
some inward struggle, suddenly asked a relieving question:--

"Do you know the first time I ever saw you?"

She did not answer at once.

"In the smoke-house," she said with a ripple of laughter.
Gabriella, when she was merry, made one, think of some lovely green
April hill, snow-capped.

David shook his head slowly. His eyes grew soft and mysterious.

"It was the first time _I_ ever saw YOU," she protested.

He continued to shake his head, and she looked puzzled.