` You know quite well , Peter , do n't you , ' she said , ` that I would n't come unless I knew for certain I could go back to mother whenever I want to ? Peter , say it . ' He said it , but he could no longer look her in the face . ` If you are sure your mother will always want you , ' he added rather sourly . ` The idea of mother 's not always wanting me ! ' Maimie cried , and her face glistened . ` If she does n't bar you out , ' said Peter huskily . ` The door , ' replied Maimie , ` will always , always be open , and mother will always be waiting at it for me . ' ` Then , ' said Peter , not without grimness , ` step in , if you feel so sure of her , ' and he helped Maimie into the Thrush 's Nest . ` But why do n't you look at me ? ' she asked , taking him by the arm . Peter tried hard not to look , he tried to push off , then he gave a great gulp and jumped ashore and sat down miserably in the snow . She went to him . ` What is it , dear , dear Peter ? ' she said , wondering . ' O Maimie , ' he cried , ` it is n't fair to take you with me if you think you can go back ! Your mother ' -- he gulped again -- ` you do n't know them as well as I do . ' And then he told her the woeful story of how he had been barred out , and she gasped all the time . ` But my mother , ' she said , ' my mother -- ' ` Yes , she would , ' said Peter , ` they are all the same . I dare say she is looking for another one already . '
XXXXX said aghast , ' I ca n't believe it .
Maimie Nest Peter Thrush door face gulp mother story time