‘I thought not of it: but—I know not why—
Their voices make me feel so solitary.’
Then Philip coming somewhat closer spoke.
‘Annie, there is a thing upon my mind,
And it has been upon my mind so long, 400
That tho’ I know not when it first came there,
I know that it will out at last. O Annie,
It is beyond all hope, against all chance,
That he who left you ten long years ago
Should still be living; well then—let me speak: 405