"I made up my mind to say something to you the very first minute I saw you, and it's got to be said.

I'm sorry I used to be such a beast to you--there." "Oh, Peter!" "I dare say," said Peter, "that it's all this rough time in South Africa that's made me feel what a fool I used to make of myself, when I was a discontented ass of a boy; that, or being ill, or something, used to--make one think a bit.

And that's why I made up my mind to tell you.

I know I used to disappoint you horribly, and be bored by your devotion, and all that.

But you'll see," said Peter, decidedly, "that I mean to be different now; and you'll forgive me, won't you ?" "My darling, I forgave you long ago--if there was anything to forgive," she cried, "You know there was," said Peter; and he sounded like the boy Peter again, now that she could not see his face.