Page:Gissing - The Nether World, vol. II, 1889.djvu/130

 pain of things that are long since over and done with,” Sidney replied, forcing himself to speak firmly. “We can’t alter the past, Jane, but we can try to remember only the best part of it. You, I hope, very seldom look back at all.”

“Grandfather wishes me never to forget it. He often says that.”

“Does he? I think I understand.”

Jane drew down a branch and laid the broad cool leaves against her cheek; releasing it, she moved in he direction of the house. Her companion followed with slow step, his head bent. Before they came to the door Jane drew his attention to a bat that was sweeping duskily above their heads; she began to speak with her wonted cheerfulness.

“How I should like Pennyloaf to be here! I wonder what she’d think of it?”

At the door they bade each other goodnight. Sidney took yet a few turns in the garden before entering. But that it would have seemed to the Pammenters a crazy proceeding, he would have gladly struck away over the fields and walked for hours.