`` It 's a great thing for her , '' he answered calmly . `` She was meant for better things than can be found at Racicot . '' `` She was always too good for common folks , if that is what you mean , '' said Merran spitefully . Nora and Rob did not meet until the next evening , when she rowed herself home from Dalveigh . He was at the shore to tie up her boat and help her out . They walked up the sands together in the heart of the autumn sunset , with the northwest wind whistling in their ears and the great star of the lighthouse gleaming wanly out against the golden sky . Nora felt uncomfortable , and resented it . Rob Fletcher was nothing to her ; he never had been anything but the good friend to whom she told her strange thoughts and longings . Why should her heart ache over him ? She wished he would talk , but he strode along in silence , with his fine head drooping a little . `` I suppose you have heard that I am going away , Rob ? '' she said at last . He nodded . `` Yes , I 've heard it from a hundred mouths , more or less , '' he answered , not looking at her . `` It 's a splendid thing for me , is n't it ? '' dared Nora . `` Well , I do n't know , '' he said slowly . `` Looking at it from the outside , it seems so . But from the inside it may n't look the same . Do you think you 'll be able to cut twenty years of a life out of your heart without any pain ? ''
`` Oh , I 'll be homesick , XXXXX that is what you mean , '' said Nora petulantly .
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