I'm forgetting that it's no longer in my power to say what she's to do or not to do!" "How's that ?" "She's no longer the young, big-eyed, watchful child who startled us by saying uncanny things.

She's no longer the slip of a thing that I left with her grandparents, with her wistful eyes on the horizon.

She's a married woman, Geordie, with a house of her own, and it isn't for me to 'let' her do anything or tell her or even ask her.

She can do what she likes now.

I've lost her, Geordie." "Why, how's that, Lil ?" There was surprise as well as sympathy in Harley's voice.