THE BRUSHWOOD BOY
"I remember lots of things, but I know I did n't. I never have—till just now."
"You did, dear."
"I know I did n't, because—oh, it 's no use keeping anything back!—because I truthfully meant to."
"And truthfully did."
"No; meant to; but some one else came by."
"There was n't any one else. There never has been."
"There was—there always is. It was another woman—out there on the sea. I saw her. It was the 26th of May. I 've got it written down somewhere."
"Oh, you 've kept a record of your dreams, too? That 's odd about the other woman, because I happened to be on the sea just then."
"I was right. How do I know what you 've done when you were awake—and I thought it was only you!"
"You never were more wrong in your life. What a little temper you 've got! Listen to me a minute, dear." And Georgie, though he knew it not, committed black perjury. "It—it is n't the kind of thing one says to any one, because they 'd laugh; but on my word and honour, darling, I 've never been kissed by a living soul outside my own people in all my life. Don't laugh, dear. I would n't tell any one but you, but it 's the solemn truth."
"I knew! You are you. Oh, I knew you 'd come some day; but I did n't know you were you in the least till you spoke."
"Then give me another."
[429]
