"That is all true," said Oleah, restlessly, "but why talk of that, above all other times, to-night?"
"It brings pleasant memories of our happy childhood. And why not to-night as well as any other time?" said Abner.
"I have reasons for not wishing to talk or to think of the past to-night," said Oleah. "I have enough to trouble me without bringing up recollections that are now anything but pleasant."
"Recollections of childhood are always pleasant to me," said Abner, "and when storms of passion sway me, such thoughts calm the storm and soothe my turbulent mind once more to peace."
"Have you been in a rage to-night?" asked Oleah, with a smile.
"No."
"Then why are you conjuring recollections of the past?"
"I have not conjured them up; they come unbidden. This night, above all others, I would not drive the thoughts of our past away."
"And why?" asked Oleah, uneasily.
"Because this night we part, Oleah, perhaps forever."