But that is not what I mean.

We have always come down every year for ever so long.

How long is it, Marcello?
We were quite small the, first time." "It must be five years.

Four or five--ever since my mother bought the land here." "We were mere children," said Aurora, with the dignity of a grown person.

"That is all over." "I wish it were not!" Marcello sighed.
"How silly you are!" observed Aurora, throwing back her beautiful head.
"But then, I am sure I am much more grown up than you are, though you are nineteen, and I am not quite eighteen." "You are seventeen," said Marcello firmly.
"I shall be eighteen on my next birthday!" retorted Aurora with warmth.
"Then we shall see who is the more grown up.