`` You shall see me again . I promise you that , whatever happens . I do not think your uncle and aunt will be as unreasonable as you fear , but even if they are they shall not prevent me from meeting you somehow . '' Kilmeny lifted her head , and wiped the tears from her eyes . `` You do not know what they are like , '' she wrote . `` They will lock me into my room . That is the way they always punished me when I was a little girl . And once , not so very long ago , when I was a big girl , they did it . '' `` If they do I 'll get you out somehow , '' said Eric , laughing a little . She allowed herself to smile , but it was a rather forlorn little effort . She did not cry any more , but her spirits did not come back to her . Eric talked gaily , but she only listened in a pensive , absent way , as if she scarcely heard him . When he asked her to play she shook her head . `` I can not think any music to-night , '' she wrote , `` I must go home , for my head aches and I feel very stupid . '' `` Very well , Kilmeny . Now , do n't worry , little girl . It will all come out all right . '' Evidently she did not share his confidence , for her head drooped again as they walked together across the orchard . At the entrance of the wild cherry lane she paused and looked at him half reproachfully , her eyes filling again . She seemed to be bidding him a mute farewell .
With an impulse XXXXX tenderness which he could not control , Eric put his arm about her and kissed her red , trembling mouth .
At as for from if in like of that to