Some time later, David, who had appeared more and more involved in some inward struggle, suddenly asked a relieving question:—
"Do you know the first time I ever saw you?"
She did not answer at once.
"In the smoke-house," she said with a ripple of laughter. Gabriella, when she was merry, made one, think of some lovely green April hill, snow-capped.
David shook his head slowly. His eyes grew soft and mysterious.
"It was the first time I ever saw YOU," she protested.
He continued to shake his head, and she looked puzzled.
"You saw me once before that, and smiled at me."
Gabriella seemed incredulous and not well pleased.
After a little while David began in the manner of one who sets out to tell a story he is secretly fond of.