Perhaps it was because little Em'ly was not at home.

I knew the way by which she would come, and presently found myself strolling along the path to meet her.
A figure appeared in the distance before long, and I soon knew it to be Em'ly, who was a little creature still in stature, though she was grown.
But when she drew nearer, and I saw her blue eyes looking bluer, and her dimpled face looking brighter, and her whole self prettier and gayer, a curious feeling came over me that made me pretend not to know her, and pass by as if I were looking at something a long way off.

I have done such a thing since in later life, or I am mistaken.
Little Em'ly didn't care a bit.

She saw me well enough; but instead of turning round and calling after me, ran away laughing.

This obliged me to run after her, and she ran so fast that we were very near the cottage before I caught her.
'Oh, it's you, is it ?' said little Em'ly.
'Why, you knew who it was, Em'ly,' said I.
'And didn't YOU know who it was ?' said Em'ly.