“The knot is too hard,” she murmured, with a little tremulous laugh and a catch of her breath.
I untied the ribbons.
“May I not sit down?” she said plaintively, but with soft merriment in her eyes. “I am not quite strong yet. My heart — you do not know what pain I have in my heart sometimes. It makes me weep of nights and when none are by, indeed it does!”
There was a settle beneath the window. I led her to it, and she sat down.
“You must know that I am walking in the Governor’s garden, that hath only a lane between it and the gaol.” Her eyes were downcast, her cheeks pure rose.
“When did you first love me?” I demanded.