I went up to London and down to Torquay alone, though Jane offered to accompany me. I was learning to be self-reliant. It suited my plans better. Nobody could bear this burden for me but myself; and the sooner I learnt to bear it my own way, the happier for me.
At Torquay station, to my great surprise, a fresh-looking girl of my own age rushed up to me suddenly, and kissed me without one word of warning. She was a very pretty girl, pink-cheeked and hazel-eyed: and as she kissed me, she seized both my hands in hers, and cried out to me frankly:
“Why, there you are, Una dear! Cousin Emma telegraphed us what train you’d arrive by; so I’ve driven down to meet you. And now, you’re coming up with us this very minute in the pony-carriage.”
“You’re Minnie Moore, I suppose?” I said, gazing at her admiringly. Her sweet, frank smile and apple-blossom cheek somehow inspired me with confidence.
She looked back at me quite distressed. Tears rose at once into her eyes with true Celtic suddenness.
“Oh, Una,” she cried, deeply hurt and drawing back into her shell, “don’t tell me you don’t know me! Why, I’m Minnie! Minnie!”
My heart went out to her at once. I took her hand in mine again.
“Minnie dear,” I said softly, quite remorseful for my mistake, “you must remember what has happened to me, and not be angry. I’ve forgotten everything, even my own past life. I’ve forgotten that I ever before set eyes upon you. But, my dear, there’s one thing I’ve NOT in a way forgotten; and that is, that I loved you and love you dearly. And I ‘ll give you a proof of it. When I started, I knew none of you; and I told Aunt Emma I wouldn’t go among strangers. The moment I see you, I know you’re no stranger, but a very dear cousin. When I’ve forgotten MYSELF, how can I remember YOU? But I’ll go up with you at once. And I’ll countermand the room I ordered by telegram at the Imperial.”
The tears stood fuller in Minnie’s eyes than before. She clasped my hand hard. Her pretty lips trembled.
“Una darling,” she said, “we always were friends, and we always shall be. If you love me, that’s all. You’re a darling. I love you.”