I said . I do n't know what made me say it . I hate to be one of those people who throw cold water on other peoples ' hopes . But it slipped out before I thought . I suppose the doubt had been vaguely troubling me always , under all my faith in Marcella , and now made itself felt in spite of me . But the doctor only laughed . `` How could she be changed ? '' he said . `` Some women might be -- most women would be -- but not Marcella . Dear Miss Tranquil , do n't spoil your beautiful record of confidence by doubting her now . We shall have her again soon -- how soon I do n't know , for I do n't even know where she is , whether in the old world or the new -- but just as soon as she can come to us . '' We said nothing more -- neither of us . But every day the light in the doctor 's eyes grew brighter and deeper and tenderer . He never spoke of Marcella , but I knew she was in his thoughts every moment . He was much calmer than I was . I trembled when the postman knocked , jumped when the gate latch clicked , and fairly had a cold chill if I saw a telegraph boy running down the street . One evening , a fortnight later , I went over to see Miss Sara . She was out somewhere , so I sat down in her little sitting room to wait for her . Presently the doctor came in and we sat in the soft twilight , talking a little now and then , but silent when we wanted to be , as becomes real friendship . It was such a beautiful evening .
Outside in Miss Sara 's garden the roses were white and red , and sweet with dew ; the honeysuckle at the window sent in delicious breaths now and again ; a few sleepy birds were twittering ; between the trees the sky was all pink and silvery blue and there was an evening star over the elm XXXXX my front yard .
as before for if in of so than to under