"To-morrow," said I, clenching my fists, "to-morrow I will go
away!"
Being now come to the Hollow, I turned aside to the brook, at
that place where was the pool in which I was wont to perform my
morning ablutions; and, kneeling down, I gazed at myself in the
dark, still water; and I saw that the night had, indeed, set its
mark upon me.
"To-morrow," said I again, nodding to the wild face below,
"to-morrow I will go far hence."
Now while I yet gazed at myself, I heard a sudden gasp behind me
and, turning, beheld Charmian.
"Peter! is it you?" she whispered, drawing back from me.
"Who else, Charmian? Did I startle you?"
"Yes--oh, Peter!"
"Are you afraid of me?"
"You are like one who has walked with--death!"
I rose to my feet, and stood looking down at her. "Are you
afraid of me, Charmian?"
"No, Peter."
"I am glad of that," said I, "because I want to ask you--to marry
me, Charmian."