Page:The Toll of the Bush.pdf/123

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THE GROWING OF THE CROP
107

one could be happy. I feel sorry for poor mother, and I never felt sorry for her like this before. And I’m sorry for father too—yes, I am. And I feel glad and good. And it’s all because you love me; and you say, “If it were not true.” Oh, Robert, if it were not true, and I knew it were not true, I should wish I was dead.’

‘If I could express myself like that,’ Robert said, ‘how I would make you believe!’

‘It was just beautiful as it was,’ Lena declared; ‘and I shali remember every word of it as long as I live. And now I must go back home.’

‘You will come to-night?’

‘Yes, if I can. Good-bye.’

They came out into the sunlight, and Robert glanced with diminished interest at the kumara sets wilting on the bed.

‘I believe you are sorry I am going,’ Lena said, watching him.

‘Sorry!’

‘Well, but you have my second always with you. Let her run along the rows, and help you plant the kumaras.’

‘She is not like you.’

‘Good-bye,’ Lena said again,

At the fence she stopped, and they stood still for a space, looking across the garden at one another; then she waved her hand and went on. Robert watched the straw hat till at the bend of the road her face was again turned towards him. Again she waved her hand and stood to watch him. A whole minute passed. At last, step by step, she moved backwards till the bush concealed her.

Robert rubbed his eyes, picked up the kumara

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