Nothing should part them . The mere idea of never seeing her again was so unbearable that he laughed at himself for having counted it a possible alternative . `` If I can win Kilmeny 's love I shall ask her to be my wife , '' he said , looking out of the window to the dark , southwestern hill beyond which lay his orchard . The velvet sky over it was still starry ; but the water of the harbour was beginning to grow silvery in the reflection of the dawn that was breaking in the east . `` Her misfortune will only make her dearer to me . I can not realize that a month ago I did not know her . It seems to me that she has been a part of my life for ever . I wonder if she was grieved that I did not go to the orchard last night -- if she waited for me . If she does , she does not know it herself yet . It will be my sweet task to teach her what love means , and no man has ever had a lovelier , purer , pupil . '' At the annual school meeting , the next afternoon , the trustees asked Eric to take the Lindsay school for the following year . He consented unhesitatingly . That evening he went to Mrs. Williamson , as she washed her tea dishes in the kitchen . `` Mrs. Williamson , I am going back to the old Connors orchard to see Kilmeny again to-night . '' She looked at him reproachfully . `` Well , Master , I have no more to say . I suppose it would n't be of any use if I had . But you know what I think of it . '' `` I intend to marry Kilmeny Gordon if I can win her . '' An expression of amazement came into the good woman 's face .
She looked scrutinizingly at the firm mouth and steady gray eyes XXXXX a moment .
If ago as at for in of over that to