"I believe you did," said he, "and from my heart I bless you! But never again weep for a stranger. You will have woes enough of your own if you live to be my age."
"If I had not had sorrows," said Gertrude, "I should not know how to feel for others; if I had not often wept for myself I should not weep now for you."
"But you are happy?"
"Yes."
"Some find it easy to forget the past."
"I have not forgotten it."
"Children's griefs are trifles, and you are still scarce more than a child."
"I never was a child," said Gertrude.
"Strange girl!" soliloquised her companion. "Will you sit down and talk with me a few minutes?"
Gertrude hesitated.