Page:Love's trilogy.djvu/309

 'GOD'S PEACE' 299

The paper she gives me is a leaf of my pocket- book which was blown away when I was on the steamer, and on which I had written some very intimate words. ' Yes, it is mine,' I said. ' But how did you know me, and how could you guess that this paper belongs to me ? '

She smiles gaily, saying, ' Don't you know me at all— but of course it is stupid of me to ask ; per- haps you never even saw me ? '

Suddenly I understand, and I exclaim trium- phantly : ' It was you then who, on board, when the sun rose, suddenly stood at my side ? '

' Yes, only I did not suddenly stand there, for I am neither a witch nor an elfin-maid, though I live on a hill.'

How foolish that I did not realise it at once. Of course she was the miller's daughter : my maid from the high-altar.

She stretched out her hand and said, while she looked at me seriously : ' Good-bye, and please for- give me for disturbing you. But I thought you would like to have this paper again, and when I found it on the steamer near the gangway you had already gone.'

I stood and watched her, while she, in her quiet, dignified way, walked up the steps and then quickly ran away, disappearing like a white vision amongst the dark fir-trees.

It was on the tip of my tongue to call her back, and I very nearly started after her. It seemed to me there was so much more I wanted to ask her