I stayed home to learn a new lesson . I am sorry you missed me -- no , I am glad . Can you understand how a person may be glad and sorry for the same thing ? '' She nodded again , with a return of her usual sweet composure . `` Yes , I could not have understood once , but I can now . Did you learn your new lesson ? '' `` Yes , very thoroughly . It was a delightful lesson when I once understood it . I must try to teach it to you some day . Come over to the old bench , Kilmeny . There is something I want to say to you . But first , will you give me a rose ? '' She ran to the bush , and , after careful deliberation , selected a perfect half-open bud and brought it to him -- a white bud with a faint , sunrise flush about its golden heart . `` Thank you . It is as beautiful as -- as a woman I know , '' Eric said . A wistful look came into her face at his words , and she walked with a drooping head across the orchard to the bench . `` Kilmeny , '' he said , seriously , `` I am going to ask you to do something for me . I want you to take me home with you and introduce me to your uncle and aunt . '' She lifted her head and stared at him incredulously , as if he had asked her to do something wildly impossible . Understanding from his grave face that he meant what he said , a look of dismay dawned in her eyes .
She shook her head almost violently and seemed XXXXX be making a passionate , instinctive effort to speak .
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