boyhood there is a gulf. A time came when it seemed impossible I

should ever speak of that wonder glimpse again."

I asked an obvious question.

"No," he said. "I don't remember that I ever attempted to

find my way back to the garden in those early years. This seems

odd to me now, but I think that very probably a closer watch was

kept on my movements after this misadventure to prevent my going

astray. No, it wasn't until you knew me that I tried for the

garden again. And I believe there was a period--incredible as it

seems now--when I forgot the garden altogether--when I was about

eight or nine it may have been. Do you remember me as a kid at

Saint Athelstan's?"

Rather!"

I didn't show any signs did I in those days of having a secret dream?"

The Door in the Wall And Other Stories