You have been very much with me of late."
Her excitement grew suddenly quick. "Have I? It's very odd, but--"
"It's not at all odd," he said. "Nothing is. I will tell you what happens.
After I go to bed--which is always lateish--I feel you come down the
slope. I am not surprised--I wasn't the first time. You come in a blue
gown, with bare feet. I can't see anything of you as you come but gleaming
ivory--an oval, which is your face--two bars for your arms--two shafts,--
and your feet. Your hair is loose all about your shoulders, and close
about your face. It makes the oval longer and narrower than I see it now;
your face is fuller by day than by night. You come to me out here, where I
wait for you, and hold out your hand. I rise, and take it--and off we go.
I realise now that I am in the conduct of a fairy. I was inspired when I
hailed you--how long ago?--as Queen Mab. You show me wonderful things. Do
you know that you come?"
"No, but--" She stopped, and bent her head. Her experience had not been so
simple. "I have thought sometimes--" She could not finish--broke off
abruptly. There was a beating pause, during which neither of them dared
look at the other. She broke it.
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