“Even that would have been a surprise.”
“You mean a shock, eh? Did you suppose I was dead?”
Now, at last, she lowered her eyes, and her blush slowly died away.
“I knew nothing about it.”
“Of course you could n’t know, and we are all mortal. It was natural that you should n’t expect—simply on turning your head—to find me lying on the pebbles at Blanquais-les-Galets. You were a great surprise to me, as well; but I differ from you—I like surprises.”
“It is rather refreshing to hear that one is a surprise,” said the girl.
“Especially when in that capacity one is liked!” Bernard exclaimed.
“I don’t say that—because such sensations pass away. I am now beginning to get over mine.”
The light mockery of her tone struck him as the echo of an unforgotten air. He looked at her a moment, and then he said—
“You are not changed; I find you quite the same.”