A Damsel in Distress

"It's easy to talk like that . . . No, it isn't. It's horribly

hard. I know exactly how difficult it is for you to talk as you

have been doing--to try to make me feel better by pretending the

whole trouble is just a trifle . . . It's strange . . . We have

only met really for a few minutes at a time, and three weeks ago I

didn't know there was such a person as you, but somehow I seem to

know everything you're thinking. I've never felt like that before

with any man . . . Even Geoffrey. . . He always puzzled me. . . ."

She broke off. The corncrake began to call again out in the

distance.

"I wish I knew what to do," she said with a catch in her voice.

"I'll tell you in two words what to do. The whole thing is absurdly

simple. You love this man and he loves you, and all that kept you

apart before was the fact that he could not afford to marry you.

Now that he is rich, there is no obstacle at all. I simply won't

let you look on me and my feelings as an obstacle. Rule me out

altogether. Your father's mistake has made the situation a little

more complicated than it need have been, but that can easily be

remedied. Imitate the excellent example of Reggie Byng. He was in a

position where it would have been embarrassing to announce what he

intended to do, so he very sensibly went quietly off and did it and

left everybody to find out after it was done. I'm bound to say I

never looked on Reggie as a master mind, but, when it came to find

a way out of embarrassing situations, one has to admit he had the

right idea. Do what he did!"

Maud started. She half rose from the stone seat. George could hear

the quick intake of her breath.

"You mean--run away?"

"Exactly. Run away!"

An automobile swung round the corner of the castle from the

direction of the garage, and drew up, purring, at the steps. There

was a flood of light and the sound of voices, as the great door

opened. Maud rose.

"People are leaving," she said. "I didn't know it was so late." She

stood irresolutely. "I suppose I ought to go in and say good-bye.

But I don't think I can."

"Stay where you are. Nobody will see you."

More automobiles arrived. The quiet of the night was shattered by

the noise of their engines. Maud sat down again.

"I suppose they will think it very odd of me not being there."

"Never mind what people think. Reggie Byng didn't."