"On the contrary." I somehow came to a stop, and sat mutely seeking words.

At last, however, I broke the silence.
"Then," I said, making an effort to speak lightly and easily, "we understand each other now."-- "Yes," she answered; "we understand each other now." I rose, for there seemed nothing more to be said, and yet feeling that I was no further on--that there was something yet misunderstood between us.
"And we are friends again, Isabella." I held out my hand, and, after a momentary pause, she placed her fingers in it.

They were cold.--"Yes, I suppose so," she said, and her lips were quivering.
I left her slowly, and with a feeling of reluctance.

My way lay over the gate, where fourteen years earlier I had made that mistake.

As I climbed it, I looked back.