she said , with something like a sob . He opened the gate and drew her through . She left her hand in his , as they walked through the lane where lissome boughs of young saplings flicked against their heads , and the air was wildly sweet with the woodsy odors . `` It 's a long while since I 've seen you , Lige , '' Sara said at last . Lige looked wistfully down at her through the gloom . `` Yes , it seems very long to me , Sara . But I did n't think you 'd care to see me , after what you said last spring . And you know things have been going against me . People have said hard things . I 've been unfortunate , Sara , and may be too easy-going , but I 've been honest . Do n't believe folks if they tell you I was n't . '' `` Indeed , I never did -- not for a minute ! '' fired Sara . `` I 'm glad of that . I 'm going away , later on . I felt bad enough when you refused to marry me , Sara ; but it 's well that you did n't . I 'm man enough to be thankful my troubles do n't fall on you . '' Sara stopped and turned to him . Beyond them the lane opened into a field and a clear lake of crocus sky cast a dim light into the shadow where they stood . Above it was a new moon , like a gleaming silver scimitar .
Sara saw it was over her XXXXX shoulder , and she saw Lige 's face above her , tender and troubled .
Lige People Sara crocus fall folks left minute saplings troubles