At last--at last, when she felt that her pride would allow her to stay

no longer, and she was on the point of going in, the sound of his step

cut short her misery. She waited, her heart beating quickly, to hear his

voice at her elbow. Presently she heard it, but he was speaking to

another; to a coarse rough man, half servant half loafer, who had joined

him, and was in the act of giving him a note. Julia, outwardly cool,

inwardly on tenterhooks, saw so much out of the corner of her eye, and

that the two, while they spoke, were looking at her. Then the man fell

back, and Sir George, purposely averting his gaze and walking like a man

heavy in thought, went by her; he passed through the little crowd about

the coach, and was on the point of disappearing through the entrance,

when she hurried after him and called his name.

He turned, between the pillars, and saw her. 'A word with you, if you

please,' she said. Her tone was icy, her manner freezing.

Sir George bowed. 'This way, if you please,' she continued imperiously;

and preceded him across the hall and through the opposite door and down

the steps to the gardens, that had once been Lady Hertford's delight.

Nor did she pause or look at him until they were halfway across the

lawn; then she turned, and with a perfect change of face and manner,

smiling divinely in the sunlight, 'Easy her motion seemed, serene her air,' she held out her hand.

'You have come--to beg my pardon, I hope?' she said.

The smile she bestowed on him was an April smile, the brighter for the

tears that lurked behind it; but Soane did not know that, nor, had he

known it, would it have availed him. He was utterly dazzled, conquered,

subjugated by her beauty. 'Willingly,' he said. 'But for what?' 'Oh, for--everything!' she answered with supreme assurance.

'I ask your divinity's pardon for everything,' he said obediently.

'It is granted,' she answered. 'And--I shall see you to-morrow, Sir

George?' 'To-morrow?' he said. 'Alas, no; I shall be away to-morrow.' He had eyes; and the startling fashion in which the light died out of

her face, and left it grey and colourless, was not lost on him. But her

voice remained steady, almost indifferent. 'Oh!' she said, 'you are

going?' And she raised her eyebrows.

'Yes,' he answered; 'I have to go to Estcombe.' She tried to force a laugh, but failed. 'And you do not return? We shall

not see you again?' she said.

'It lies with you,' he answered slowly. 'I am returning to-morrow

evening by the Bath road. Will you come and meet me, Julia--say, as far

as the Manton turning? It's on your favourite road. I know you stroll

there every evening. I shall be there a little after five. If you come

to-morrow, I shall know that, notwithstanding your hard words, you will

take in hand the reforming of a rake--and a ruined rake, Julia. If you

do not come--' He hesitated. She had to turn away her head that he might not see the

light that had returned to her eyes. 'Well, what then?' she said softly.




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