'I haven't been
for a walk. Don't you remember where I told you I was going, John?'
'Yes, it was to a wedding.'
Rather tremulously, 'You haven't forgotten whose wedding, have you?'
'Tell me, Ellen.' He is no longer troubled. He knows that Ellen will
tell him.
'I have been seeing Barbara married, John.'
'Yes, it was Barbara's wedding. They wouldn't--Ellen, why wasn't I
there?'
Like one telling him amusing gossip, 'I thought you might be a little
troubled if you went, John. Sometimes your mind--not often, but
sometimes if you are agitated--and then you think you see--people who
aren't here any longer. Oh dear, oh dear, help me with these bonnet
strings.'
'Yes, I know. I'm all right when you are with me, Ellen. Funny, isn't
it?'
She raises her shoulders in a laugh. 'It _is_ funny, John. I ran
back to you, John. I was thinking of you all the time--even more than
of Billy boy.'
The Colonel is very gay. 'Tell me all about it, Ellen. Did Billy boy
lose the ring? We always said he would lose the ring.'
She looks straight into his eyes. 'You have forgotten again, John.
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