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not very pretty〃
But she had been reading so recently about the darling of my
youth that she halted abashed at last； feeling； I apprehend； a
stop in her mind against proposing this thing to me； who； in
those presumptuous days； had thought to be content with nothing
less than the loveliest lady in all the land。
My thoughts had reverted also； and for the last time my eyes saw
the little hut through the pine wood haze。 I met Mary there； and
we came back to the present together。
I have already told you； reader； that this conversation took
place no longer ago than yesterday。
〃Very well； ma'am；〃 I said； trying to put a brave face on it； 〃I
will come to your tea…parties； and we shall see what we shall
see。〃
It was really all she had asked for； but now that she had got
what she wanted of me the foolish soul's eyes became wet； she
knew so well that the youthful romances are the best。
It was now my turn to comfort her。 〃In twenty years；〃 I said；
smiling at her tears； 〃a man grows humble； Mary。 I have stored
within me a great fund of affection； with nobody to give it to；
and I swear to you； on the word of a soldier； that if there is
one of those ladies who can be got to care for me I shall be very
proud。〃 Despite her semblance of delight I knew that she was
wondering at me； and I wondered at myself； but it was true。
End