We loved each other , but we could n't marry then . My mother was an invalid , and one time , before I had learned to care for Rose , she , the mother , had asked me to promise her that I 'd never marry as long as she lived . She did n't think then that she would live long , but she lived for twenty years , Master , and she held me to my promise all the time . Yes , it was hard '' -- for I had given an indignant exclamation -- `` but you see , Master , I had promised and I had to keep my word . Rose said I was right in doing it . She said she was willing to wait for me , but she did n't know , poor girl , how long the waiting was to be . Then her father 's health failed completely , and the doctor ordered him to another climate . They went to California . That was a hard parting , Master . But we promised each other that we would be true , and we have been . I 've never seen my Rose of joy since then , but I 've had a letter from her every week . When the mother died , five years ago , I wanted to move to California and marry Rose . But she wrote that her father was so poorly she could n't marry me yet . She has to wait on him every minute , and he 's restless , and they move here and there -- a hard life for my poor girl . So I had to take a new lease of patience , Master . One learns how to wait in twenty years . But I shall have her some day , God willing . Our love will be crowned yet . So I wait , Master , and try to keep my life and soul clean and wholesome and young for her . `` That 's my story , Master , and we 'll not say anything more about it just now , for I dare say you do n't exactly know what to say .
But at times I 'll talk of her to you and that will be a rare pleasure XXXXX me ; I think that was why I wanted you to know about her . ''
So about before for in minute of that to years