human
It's a glorious day, she said;
gpt
Undine, said Miss Graham suddenly, when the two were comfortably established in one of their favorite nooks; the invalid in her chair, and her companion on a rug spread on the ground;
human
I forget which it was, said Undine, looking puzzled.
gpt
Oh, yes, I remember--'A Highland Laddie Lived over the Lea.' I don't know where I learned it--isn't it one of Jim's songs?
human
I don't think so, dear, but we can ask him. I never heard you sing it before.
gpt
I don't know how I remember things, she said, slowly;
human
You and Mrs. Graham don't like to have me talk about the things I can't remember,
gpt
Only because we don't want you to distress yourself and try to force your brain. I have always told you I was sure the memory would come back some day.
human
I think it is coming soon, said Undine, softly.
gpt
I keep having dreams. I dreamt of my mother last night.
human
Tell me about it, dear,
gpt
It was a beautiful dream, she said.
human
My mother and I were in a dear little room, all furnished in pink and white. I don't know where it was, but it seemed quite familiar in the dream. I was unhappy about something, and my mother kissed me, and put her arms round me. She had such a dear, beautiful face. Oh, Miss Jessie, do you suppose my poor mother was killed in that dreadful earthquake?
gpt
My dear little girl, we cannot possibly know that; we must have patience. Have you had other dreams?
human
Yes. The other night I dreamt I was playing with a boy in a swamp. There was a black woman in the dream, too; she scolded us, but I wasn't a bit afraid of her. Do you think perhaps they were people I used to know?
gpt
I don't know, dear; it may be possible, but you mustn't let these things worry you. You are happy here with us, are you not?
human
Happy! cried the girl, with sparkling eyes,
gpt
I never expected to be so happy anywhere. As long as I live I shall never forget all you and Mr. and Mrs. Graham have done for me, but I can't help wanting to remember.
human
Of course you can't; that is quite natural. We all want you to remember, too, but we must have patience. The more you strain your brain, the longer it may take for the memory to come back. You have been a great comfort to us since Marjorie went away; I told her so in my last letter.
gpt
I am so glad, said Undine, smiling.
human
I promised Marjorie I would try, but of course I knew I could never take her place. Oh, Miss Jessie, you said I might read Marjorie's last letter. It came when I was out, you know, and I didn't hear you read it to Mrs. Graham.
gpt
So I did, I am glad you reminded me, for I had forgotten all about it. It was written from the place in Virginia where she has been spending the holidays, and tells all about their Christmas festivities. It is in the right-hand drawer of my desk--you may read it whenever you like.
human
If you don't want me for anything, and are going to stay here for a while, I think I will go and read it now, she said;
gpt
I love Marjorie's letters.
human
Very well, dear; I want to finish this book before we begin the one we are going to read together. It won't take me more than fifteen minutes.
gpt
All right, she said;
human
I'll be back before that. Oh, Miss Jessie, isn't the air glorious to-day? It makes me feel so happy and excited; just as if something were going to happen.