Today I went to the shore as usual , fully resolved not even to glance in the forbidden direction . But in the end I had to take a peep , and saw him on the rocks with his glass levelled at me . When he saw that I was looking he laid down the glass , held up his hands , and began to spell out something in the deaf-mute alphabet . Now , I know that same alphabet . Connie taught it to me last year , so that we might hold communication across the schoolroom . I gave one frantic glance at Aunt Martha 's rigid back , and then watched him while he deftly spelled : `` I am Francis Shelmardine . Are you not Miss Forrester , my sister 's friend ? '' Francis Shelmardine ! Now I knew whom he resembled . And have I not heard endless dissertations from Connie on this wonderful brother of hers , Francis the clever , the handsome , the charming , until he has become the only hero of dreams I have ever had ? It was too wonderful . I could only stare dazedly back through my glass . `` May we know each other ? '' he went on . `` May I come over and introduce myself ? Right hand , yes ; left , no . '' I gasped ! Suppose he were to come ? What would happen ? I waved my left hand sorrowfully .
He looked quite crestfallen and disappointed XXXXX he spelled out : `` Why not ?
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