He suddenly realized how far Kilmeny had come since then and how much she had developed . With a little gesture of invitation Kilmeny led the way through the orchard to the wild cherry lane , and the two men followed . `` Eric , she is simply unutterable ! '' said David in an undertone . `` Last night , to tell you the truth , I had a rather poor opinion of your sanity . But now I am consumed with a fierce envy . She is the loveliest creature I ever saw . '' Eric introduced David to the Gordons and then hurried away to his school . On his way down the Gordon lane he met Neil and was half startled by the glare of hatred in the Italian boy 's eyes . Pity succeeded the momentary alarm . Neil 's face had grown thin and haggard ; his eyes were sunken and feverishly bright ; he looked years older than on the day when Eric had first seen him in the brook hollow . Prompted by sudden compassionate impulse Eric stopped and held out his hand . `` Neil , ca n't we be friends ? '' he said . `` I am sorry if I have been the cause of inflicting pain on you . '' `` Friends ! Never ! '' said Neil passionately . `` You have taken Kilmeny from me . I shall hate you always .
And I 'll be even XXXXX you yet . ''
On by down from if of since through to with