I came out from behind the rocks, and she turned to run away.
I fell down on the grass, as I had fallen seven years ago when I
reached the top of the waterfall.
'Lorna Doone,' I said. She turned round and smiled. I knew
that she had recognized me, but she pretended to be angry.
'Who are you, sir?' she cried. 'And how do you know
my name?'
'I'm John Ridd,' I answered. 'The boy who climbed up the
waterfall seven years ago.'
'Yes, I remember. You were so frightened, and hid here in the
water. But you've forgotten how dangerous this place is.'
I saw that she was afraid for me. Her soft, bright eyes watched
me as she spoke, and I could not answer her. I knew that I would
love her all my life, but I did not think I was good enough for
her. It would be better, I thought, if I left immediately.
'Miss Lorna, I'll go,' I said. 'I can see that you're afraid. I know
you'd be sad if they killed me. Try to think of me sometimes. I'll
come again, and bring you some fresh eggs from our hens.'
'Thank you very much,' she said, 'but you mustn't come to
look for me.You can leave the eggs in the hole in the rocks that I
showed you.'
Then she smiled, and I wanted so much to find the way to her
heart. She held her hand out to me and I touched it softly, then
turned and climbed back down the rock