To Have & To Hold by Mary Johnson Chapter 28 Page 17

“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.