“I must be.”

“What an ungracious answer! I could beat you soundly for it! Euan, you sometimes vex me so that I could presently push you into that pool� . I do not mean it, dearest lad. You know you already have my heart — perhaps only a child’s heart yet, though I have seen ages pass away� . And my eyes have known tears� . Perhaps for that reason I am come out into this new sunshine which you have made for me, to play as children play — having never done so in my youth. Bear with me, Euan. You would not want me if there were nothing in me to respond to you. If there ever is, it will not remain silent. But first I want my play-day in the sunshine you have promised me — the sunlight of a comrade’s kindness. Be not too blunt with me. You have my heart, I tell you.