"I thought you looked tired, as if something bothered you," Theodora said penitently; "and here I've stayed talking to you, when you'd rather have been by yourself."
"Honestly, no. You make me forget things." He held out his hand in protest, as she started to rise. "Sit down again."
She obeyed him; but she fell silent, as she sat looking up at him. He had more color than usual, she noticed; but there were fine lines between his brows, and his red-gold hair was pushed back from his face, as if its weight irritated him.
"But what are the wishes?" he asked, restive under her scrutiny, and seeking to divert her.
"Oh, I have dozens and dozens; but there are three great big ones which increase in greatness as they go on."
"What are they?" he asked curiously. "You'll get them, if you wait long enough. People always do."
"I don't believe it. These are all impossible, and I never expect to get them; but I want them, all the same. I want—" She hesitated, laughing and blushing a little. "You'll make fun of me."
"No, I won't. Go on and tell."
"I want a bicycle first. Then I want to go to college." She hesitated again and stuck fast.
"And then?"