'That's a secret,' I answered gaily; 'you shall know to-night.'
My mother had already questioned me in private, and I had easily satisfied her. Something unusual occurred when we had finished breakfast. Jessie went to uncle Bryan's side, and spoke to him.
'Do you know it's my birthday to-day, uncle Bryan?'
'I have heard so.' Then after a short pause: 'May it be a day of good remembrance to you!'
Nothing more; not a kiss, not even a hand-shake. And yet she invited it in the tenderest manner, as she stood before him, bright and beautiful, in a new light print dress, with a small lilac flower. I never see a dress with such a pattern without an odd sensation at my heart. She did not move from the spot until he, after some mental communing, I think, turned from her and went into the shop. I experienced a feeling very much like hatred towards him for his hardness and insensibility.
My mother took Jessie's hand.
'May your life be bright and happy, dear child!'
She hid her face in my mother's bosom for a little while in silence; then she raised her face, and they kissed each other. Ah, the world was bright with such a flower in it!
'And you, Chris?' she said presently, holding out her hand to me.
'I shall wish you nothing until to-night,' I said, with an effort of great self-restraint, 'except in my heart.'