A., after writing once, ceased writing at all and once more her mother and I were left in a state of anxiety and suspense.  At last I determined to go to Melbourne to look for her, the only clue I had being a remark in her letter that a certain actor was giving her an engagement.  In Melbourne I could not find any traces of her for some days and what traces I did find of her were not calculated to allay my anxious fears.  One hotel-keeper told me that some one of A’s name had stayed there with another hussy (giving Miss T’s stage name):  “There were nice carryings on with the pair of them.”  I thought of Miss T’s strange looks, but could not imagine what hold she had on A., for A. loved me, I knew.  I seemed to be in an inextricable maze.  I could settle to nothing and was thinking of applying to the police when I heard that the actor A. had mentioned had taken his company to the Gippsland lakes.  I followed to Sale, found the actor and was told that A. was not there.  “She slipped me at the last moment,” he said, “and remained in Melbourne.”  I returned to my lodgings, with my anxiety and nervous restlessness increased tenfold.  But suddenly my fear and restlessness left me like a cloud.  I felt quiet, young, peaceful, able to enjoy the country, A. was doubtless all right and would be able to explain her silence.  I undressed leisurely and happily, thinking of the stars.

The next day, Sunday, I awoke refreshed and still at peace.  After breakfast, hearing children’s voices, I went out into the garden and there was a collision of souls who somehow were affinities.  A young girl about twelve or younger with a fine presence and handsome face fixed her eyes on me for half a minute and then came and sat on my knee.  She was one of those children I am accustomed to call “love-children,” because they are so much brighter, healthier, larger and more loving than others.  I always imagine more love went to their making.  We fell in love and she said, stroking my beard, “Oh, you are pretty!” and I said, “And so are you!” We were so affectionate that the servant called the child away and I went for a walk, finding my little sweetheart waiting for me on my return.  The touch of her hand was electric and her voice fresh and musical.  I kissed her, but had become more self-conscious since the morning and wondered if her mother or the servant were looking, or even of they would appear.  I was not so frank and natural as my little chum.  I have often thought of her since.  She had the breadth of forehead, the strength and yet lightness of limb, together with the hands and feet, not too small, that I always imagine the dwellers in Paradise will have.

I returned to Melbourne and continued trying to find A. At the same time I commenced in earnest to live on fruit and brown bread only, and enjoyed better tone and health every day, so that